Super Short Summary

The Temple of My Familiar by Alice Walker interweaves the tales of various characters, exploring themes of love, betrayal, historical trauma, spirituality, and the feminine experience across different eras and locations. Essential plotlines include Carlotta's move to San Francisco after escaping political oppression, her tumultuous relationships, and Suwelo’s journey toward self-awareness. The novel intersects and elaborates on characters’ pasts and presents, culminating in a tapestry that spans lifetimes and geographies, revealing deep interconnectedness and shared human experiences. The book includes descriptions of racial and gender oppression, sexual violence, and substance addiction.