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A review by jazzy_g
Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.5
Memphis was so beautifully written. While the book deals with a range of very heavy and emotive subjects, at its heart is the celebration of strength and resilience of Black women, family and community and this left me smiling throughout.
The protagonists - three generations of North women, a Black family living in Memphis, Tennessee - were so well developed that I felt very connected to them, their experiences, struggles, grief and triumphs and this even extended to some of the peripheral characters who did not have chapters written from their perspective.
The timeline was not linear and and spanned across multiple decades and the 3 generations which sometimes left me momentarily distracted and having to recap.
I understand this was the author's debut novel and I will be eagerly awaiting her next!
The protagonists - three generations of North women, a Black family living in Memphis, Tennessee - were so well developed that I felt very connected to them, their experiences, struggles, grief and triumphs and this even extended to some of the peripheral characters who did not have chapters written from their perspective.
The timeline was not linear and and spanned across multiple decades and the 3 generations which sometimes left me momentarily distracted and having to recap.
I understand this was the author's debut novel and I will be eagerly awaiting her next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Police brutality, Grief, Death of parent, and War
Moderate: Antisemitism and Alcohol