Book Review for Where the False Gods Dwell by Denny S. Bryce

 

Where the False Gods Dwell by Denny S. Bryce

Published:  February 24, 2026 by Kensington

Genre:  Historical Fiction

Taken from Goodreads:  Inspired by real-life legendary choreographer Katherine Dunham’s groundbreaking expedition into the heart of Caribbean dance culture, this uniquely captivating novel imagines the experiences of three very different women who accompany her, hoping to find their destinies—yet find themselves forced to survive a historic event . . .


Chicago, 1935. Othella is an orphaned con artist who needs to escape the city's brutal underworld... or else. Vivian Jean is a wealthy wife, student, and anthropologist eager to prove herself professionally and personally. Zinzi is a Jamaican labor union activist determined to bring change to her homeland's plantation system. Thanks to a series of fortunate mishaps and coincidences, all three join Dunham’s voyage to the Maroon village of Accompong in Jamaica’s Cockpit Country—and perhaps discover what they desperately want most . . .


Through skill and curiosity, Othella becomes a valued member of the expedition, even as she struggles to conceal her past. Zinzi's knowledge of the Cockpit allows the expedition to explore uncharted territory, even as a forbidden love and fierce resistance threaten everything she seeks to protect. As Vivian Jean’s observations help Dunham make unprecedented discoveries, she grapples with her second husband's guilt and accusations. Yet, amidst their private battles, nature presents an even greater challenge . . .


As deadly Hurricane Jérémie bears down on the island, imperiling the women’s mission—and their lives—they must form a difficult sisterhood. As the storm rages outside the small parish that is their shelter, they will need each other more than anyone or anything they’ve ever needed.

 

My Thoughts:  Denny S. Bryce is a must-read historical fiction author.   She is someone I look forward to reading because I know that I will be pulled into a book usually about a historical event that I do not know much about.  The story of Hurricane Jeremie and Accompong Jamaica is not something I am familiar with so I was excited to pick up Where the False Gods Dwell. 

I tried so hard to connect with the characters, I wanted to be invested in their story, but I could not.   I wanted to be pulled into the story and never wanted to leave.  I just struggled.  I wanted more of the Jamaican feel, more of the authenticity of Jamaican life.  The story of the hurricane was not as big of a part of the story as I anticipated. 

I hope that I am in the minority and most people will love this book.    I will still auto purchase Denny S. Bryce’s future books, she is still a must-read author. 

Thank you Kensington for a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

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Meet the Author(taken from her website):  Denny S. Bryce is the bestselling, award-winning author of five novels. She is also an NPR book critic, an adjunct professor at Drexel University, and a freelance writer who has written for Harper’s Bazaar and USA Today. A member of the Historical Novel Society, Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and Tall Poppy Writers, her novels explore themes of love, family, resilience, and the complexities of identity and issues of race, class, and gender. Currently residing in Savannah, Georgia, she is an avid fan of genre television, dance (in all its forms), and a variety of music styles, including jazz, R&B, and classical.