Reviews tagging 'Racial slurs'

Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow

97 reviews

knitswhilereading's review against another edition

challenging emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, and Grief

Minor: Gun violence

sofxaim's review against another edition

dark emotional funny reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I loved this book. It was easy to get invested into the story and its characters. I saw a little bit of my family in the generational patterns seen in this story. 

I think the jumping back and forth between years made it just a tad hard to follow along with the story, but at the same time I appreciated the flashbacks and the present as well. Like some of the other reviews said, I wish it was longer and that we could have seen a little bit more of My.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Grief, and War

atalea's review against another edition

dark emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Toxic relationship, and Violence

Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Hate crime, Police brutality, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, and War

Minor: Infidelity, Blood, and Pregnancy

jazful's review against another edition

adventurous emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

The book "Memphis" tells an entertaining story with female characters who are likeable. Particularly impressive is the author's ability to describe the atmosphere of the South in the USA in different decades authentically and realistically. The detailed descriptions allow the reader to vividly imagine the scenery.

The plot deals with important and relevant topics such as the history of Black families in the South of the USA, segregation, police violence, racism, Black Liberation, family tragedies & crime in Memphis. But also Black love, hope, female empowerment, strength and the power of sibling love. The book is written from the perspective of women, which gives it a special importance.

But there are also a few points of criticism. Joan, who narrates in the first person, is supposed to be only 10 years old in the first few chapters, but seems far too mature and grown-up for her age. In addition, the time jumps from chapter to chapter are sometimes far too confusing.

Another important point is the lack of trigger warning. A sexual assault on a child is discussed on the very first pages. Other serious topics such as murder, loss, rape, domestic violence and racist slurs also appear, which can be very distressing for those affected.

One serious point of criticism is the author's unprofessional and childish behaviour in dealing with important reader feedback. Readers who raised critical points were dismissed by her (on Instagram) and sometimes even told that they had not understood the book. For example, almost all the male characters in the book were portrayed problematically. The author did not accept the discussion and vehemently disagreed that these characters were lovable.

It is very important to have an exchange and a critical discussion (not even really with the author, but among the readers), especially in a work that deals with so many complex and sensitive issues. I don't think I'll read another book by her if she writes another one.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Violence, Police brutality, Grief, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: War

Minor: Slavery, Blood, and Medical content

sabrinagisele's review against another edition

dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Racial slurs, Rape, and Murder

Moderate: Child abuse

yellowfleeces's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Death of parent, and Murder

paris_nicole's review against another edition

challenging emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

I really enjoyed this book. Is it written in multiple POVs (all females from three generations of the same family), in multiple timelines. The book addresses inter-familial trauma, while simultaneously acknowledging the racial history of this country and the atrocities faced by Black people. The story also celebrates the beauty of the Black community, specifically Black women, and their ability to hold the weight of the world on their shoulders.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Gun violence, Hate crime, Incest, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Police brutality, and Murder

janetsuzanne's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Racial slurs, and Racism

Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Gun violence, and Violence

gkaltam's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Rape

Moderate: Domestic abuse and Gun violence

lavenderluvsbooks's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional informative mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I enjoyed many elements of this book. I am not familiar with many aspects of American culture. I have been to Tennessee Nashville & Memphis respectively and feel like I understand the culture historically of Memphis. This is not a happy book. But it is an important one. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Domestic abuse, Drug use, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, and Alcohol