63 pages • 2 hours read
288
Novel • Fiction
Memphis, Tennessee • 1990s
2022
Adult
18+ years
Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow follows three generations of the North family, focusing on the experiences and struggles of Black women from 1937 to 2003. The narrative, presented through fragmented timelines, centers on Joan, who returns to her ancestral home in Memphis with her mother Miriam and sister Mya, escaping an abusive household. Joan nurtures her artistic talents amid family trauma, while her mother and aunt, August, also cope with challenges. Their interconnected stories explore themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of dreams. The book contains depictions of domestic abuse, racist violence, and child sexual abuse.
Emotional
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Inspirational
Heartwarming
40,600 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow has garnered praise for its lyrical prose and deep exploration of familial bonds and resilience. Critics commend its rich character development and vivid portrayal of the city's culture. However, some note a slower narrative pace and occasional predictability. Overall, Memphis is celebrated for its emotional depth and evocative storytelling.
A reader who would enjoy Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow is one who appreciates multi-generational family sagas and richly woven narratives centered on African American experiences. Fans of The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett and The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates would find this novel compelling.
40,600 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
288
Novel • Fiction
Memphis, Tennessee • 1990s
2022
Adult
18+ years
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