I do want to give a warning that this is not an easy read in some aspects and early on, we learn that there was child abuse and brutality. Stringfellow did base part of the story off of her own family’s history.Įach of our four main characters are distinct and I especially loved Joan and wanted to give her a big hug. Sometimes fiction just feels real and this one did. I thought they were so interesting and vivid-very richly drawn. It’s been a while since I’ve read a multi-perspective story where I truly loved each of the characters. I really enjoyed the shifting timeline-it’s not linear but more so follows certain themes of the novel: love, motherhood, trauma, perseverance, racism, the power of a community and more. She runs a hair salon out of her house, which is the focal point for the women of the community.Īnd finally, we follow Hazel, who after experiencing a devastating loss, eventually becomes one of the first black nurses in Memphis. We get to know Miriam throughout the years when she first meets their father, Jax, who seemed like the perfect package but darkness lingered.Īugust is an extremely talented singer but she has to put everything on hold to keep an eye on her son. The story moves back and forth between the past and the present timeline and features the perspectives of Joan, Miriam, August and their mother, Hazel. While Joan tries to settle in, the past is relentless with its memories. Joan is uncomfortable being back as she experienced a horrific and traumatic event at the house when she was a toddler. Joan’s grandfather built this house in the historic Black neighborhood of Douglass-only to be lynched days after becoming the first Black detective in the city. They’re now back in Memphis where Miriam grew up and are living with their aunt August and cousin Derek. We meet Joan as a 10-year-old who has just fled her home with her mother, Miriam, and younger sister, Mya, after her father committed acts of violence against her mother. The story is told from four Black women of the same family based in Memphis. I loved each of the four main characters. Lots of joy, sorrow, pain, betrayal-it’s very layered and the characters are quite complex. It’s one of those novels you have to read. Stringfellow said when crafting the novel, she wanted to write a Black fairy tale. The writing is compelling, vivid and the story is fascinating. And in exciting news, Jenna Bush Hager selected the novel for her Read with Jenna Book Club! Stringfellow has been on my radar for quite some time. You read the synopsis, a bit of background, and yes, even an amazing cover all contributes! So Memphis by Tara M. There are some novels you know will be great.
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