Shallow Waters

A Novel

By: Anita Kopacz

Narrated by: Michelle Kopacz

In this “captivating” (Harper’s Bazaar) and lyrical debut novel—perfect for fans of The Water Dancer and the Legacy of Orïsha series—the Yoruba deity of the sea, Yemaya, is brought to vivid life as she discovers the power of Black resilience, love, and feminine strength in antebellum America.

Shallow Waters imagines Yemaya, an Orïsha—a deity in the religion of Africa’s Yoruba people—cast into mid-1800s America. We meet Yemaya as a young woman, still in the care of her mother and not yet fully aware of the spectacular power she possesses to protect herself and those she holds dear.

The journey laid out in Shallow Waters sees Yemaya confront the greatest evils of this era; transcend time and place in search of Obatala, a man who sacrifices his own freedom for the chance at hers; and grow into the powerful woman she was destined to become. We travel alongside Yemaya from her native Africa and on to the “New World,” with vivid pictures of life for those left on the outskirts of power in the nascent Americas.

Yemaya realizes the fighter within, travels the Underground Railroad in search of the mysterious stranger Obatala, and crosses paths with icons of our history on the road to freedom. Shallow Waters is a “riveting and heartbreaking” (Publishers Weekly) work of ritual storytelling from promising debut author Anita Kopacz.

Critic reviews

"Michelle Kopacz's narration fits the tone perfectly. Her deep voice is warm and measured. This is an audiobook about the power of stories, and listening to Kopacz deliver it is by turns enraging and healing. She's excellent with all the characters, but it's the way she embodies Yemaya's determination and spirit that will capture listeners' hearts."

good book

good story and story telling! hope there is more to come soon!!!!!! u will enjoy this.

Amazing story

There were so many times this book and me on edge. I love the way this tale tied in history, love, and magic. Amazing Anita‼️ 👏🏾 👏🏾👏🏾

WOW. A NEW FAVORITE

I ordered this without knowing anything about it. It just caught my attention and then sat in my library for about two months. I was recently moved to play and wrote am I glad I did. It’s astonishingly beautiful and captivating. I’m actually to listen to it again. It’s one if the most beautiful stores I’ve ever heard in my lifetime. Thank you

Stunning

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this in its entirety! Looking forward to reading it again!

Amazing

This book spoke it my soul. The narrator's voice gave me great joy, made me believe i was in the story made me believe that it was my love story...it was really enjoyable filled with good thoughts and bad... congrats to the author...
Novella J