Coate’s work was refreshingly new to me as I don’t really read these kind of work. I had to re-read a couple of times because I would get lost or confused so I kept doubting myself if I was just not smart enough to understand the author’s work. Eventually, the Water Dancer struck to me and I realized the author was referring to slavery. The book was interesting and I had a friend of mine read it with me so we could discuss about what did certain lines mean because it had a lyrical poem like voice to it. My friend and I eventually wondered when was the time frame or era of this story?