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A review by gingerrachelle
Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
0.0
I wanted to love this and in parts I did.
I loved the back and forth narration and the movement through time. I wanted more of some people though and less of other things. Many people pointed out that she forces some of her women characters to take on emotional labor in service of the men. I can see that and I get it. I also think she tried to make us have some empathy for those men and the admittedly terrible things they did. I’m in the midst of rethinking how I view people who are classified as criminals. People we would lock up and throw they key away. I’m realizing that in order to be an abolitionist I have to have that empathy and that is so difficult. Anyway at the very least this book made me examine things so it had value.
I loved the back and forth narration and the movement through time. I wanted more of some people though and less of other things. Many people pointed out that she forces some of her women characters to take on emotional labor in service of the men. I can see that and I get it. I also think she tried to make us have some empathy for those men and the admittedly terrible things they did. I’m in the midst of rethinking how I view people who are classified as criminals. People we would lock up and throw they key away. I’m realizing that in order to be an abolitionist I have to have that empathy and that is so difficult. Anyway at the very least this book made me examine things so it had value.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Sexual violence, and Sexual assault