A review by barnstormingbooks
The Peach Seed by Anita Gail Jones

emotional slow-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

 

Thank you to @NetGalley and @HenryHoltBooks for the e-ARC 

I love a good multi-generational family story, and Jones delivers. Told through multiple generations using carved peach pits (seeds) as the link, Jones delves into a slow burn of masculinity and family in a legacy of slavery and generational trauma and substance abuse. One of the true strengths of Peach Seed is that even when tackling very heavy content, the writing feels appropriately reverent without wavering into realms of trauma porn or excuses. Instead each character feels fully formed and complex. The pain and the joys are real. The struggles and the happy endings are unrushed and possible. The growth of each character, is anchored in their decisions to become a better person, and are achieved through the support of those they love. 

This is a family I would be happy to call my own, even with the drama and trauma that has surrounded them. Feel the love.