This week, I’ve been reading Jewell Parker Rhodes‘ newest work, Ninth Ward. What a moving read! Told from the perspective of 12 year old, New Orleans resident, Lanesha, Rhodes provides a respectful and thoughtful portrayal of this young girl’s experience through Hurricane Katrina. Rhodes reminds us of youthful times and understandings, full of questioning and curiosity.
We follow Lanesha as she travels through the set of days that have now become legendary. The same storm that altered so many thousands of lives and routines-and the one that washes away Lanesha’s material home–also ends up being the waves that beat in constant remembrance. Remembrance of the mother she never met but still sees as a ghost, and remembrance of her grandmother and number one caretaker, Mama Ya-Ya. Mama Ya-Ya teaches her of the love of a family while imparting her own acquired knowledge of symbols and numbers. “Put 4 and 8 together and it equals 12. That’s spiritual strength. Real Strength, Lanesha.” Being this age, it’s no wonder why this knowledge becomes an encouragement throughout her journey.
We experience the growth of Lanesha’s understanding of these tragedies with much pre-storm foreshadowing. “I think I’d like traveling by water. Unlike dirt, water seems alive, moving and shifting, always making lapping sounds against the boat and shore.” These alive waters that also bring destruction ultimately help define her: “I’m Lanesha. Born with a caul. Interpreter of symbols and signs. Future engineer. Shining Love. I’m Lanesha. I’m Mama Ya-Ya’s girl.”
-Peyton
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