Cinematic ... Despite leaning into the familiar narrative devices of romance dramas, 'Zeal' never stops being compelling as the twists and turns of Tirzah’s and Harrison’s family stories illuminate lesser-known aspects of Black American history ... Jerkins does not varnish the sheer terror of post-war life for the formerly enslaved ... Tirzah’s steely heroism in the face of white supremacy and violence makes her the book’s most memorable character ... The historical parts of the book, which run from 1865 to 1912, are riveting, as we watch tightly knit Black communities help each other survive in the face of inevitable displacement at the hands of violent whites ... The history is meticulously recreated ... The stakes of Oliver and Ardelia’s romance feel low in contrast to the epic historical sweep of Tirzah and Harrison’s everlasting love ... The romance plot’s need to rush forward comes at the expense of character depth. Still, one can forgive a few glitches in an ambitious book that covers over 150 years and parts of Black American history that aren’t widely known ... A page-turner that will teach readers a few things about our past.
Jerkins’ meticulous research brings to life the optimism of the free Black community of Nicodemus, Kansas, and the allure of Chicago for Black southerners ... Lyrical ... A novel that will also give book groups much to discuss.
Underscores the fact that establishing freedom and protecting freedom is very different from being granted freedom ... By beginning her narrative at a contemporary engagement party, Jerkins foregrounds the unifying power of family and community in creating a Black culture that doesn’t just survive, but thrives.
