drmelreads 's review for:

The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis

3.5

challenging dark emotional reflective slow-paced

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It took me a month because of other obligations, but I finally finished Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis. I don't know what to think. The beginning and the end left me saddened for two different reasons. The stories of the children and their relationship with Hattie were kind of depressing (a reason it took me so long) and at times heartbreaking. Hattie did find bits and pieces of happiness along the way and there were several passages that made me giggle, but in all themes relating to the complexity of intimate and family relationships reigned in this novel. This wonderfully written novel had so many stories that were different from my own in so many ways, but still made me remember my childhood. That is the joy I take from this text. Nothing like someone else's pain to make you see the blessings in your own life. #twelvetribesofhattie