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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