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erindoublee's review against another edition
3.0
Loved this book. It felt like a peel into Black culture in a candid and real way. There were some genuinely tender moments and powerful statements.
“History had awakened me to the fact that racism is the only food Americans crave.”
“The framed record covers on the walls shook with the laughter. Laughter that was, in and of itself, Black. Laughter that could break glass. Laughter that could uplift a family. A cacophony of Black female joy in a language private to them.”
I wanted this book to end, honestly. For a book called Memphis, there was very little description of the actual town. This was a book about race rather than the place.
“History had awakened me to the fact that racism is the only food Americans crave.”
“The framed record covers on the walls shook with the laughter. Laughter that was, in and of itself, Black. Laughter that could break glass. Laughter that could uplift a family. A cacophony of Black female joy in a language private to them.”
I wanted this book to end, honestly. For a book called Memphis, there was very little description of the actual town. This was a book about race rather than the place.
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Domestic abuse, and Racism
Moderate: Violence, Child abuse, Death, and Gun violence
sarahcollinson's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
dinasamimi's review against another edition
4.0
I love a matrilineal family saga. Memphis shines through along with all the women of Stringfellow's story. I always (unfairly) compare these kinds of books to Love Songs, and was left wanting more, but Stringfellow is a talent. The writing is magnetic!
cynthiai's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
reflective
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
4.5
gilly22's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
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
eduardoandgo's review against another edition
Really liked this, liked the characters, love a generational story. The writing style was great. The story was interesting.
emzy2202's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
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? It's complicated
2.0