A review by lindaskessler
Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo

dark emotional lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Flor had always carried the mark of death. It was known from the moment she was born.

What a hell of a way to introduce a character! Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo is penned as a compilation of stories surrounding the past and present of the Marte sisters, their daughters, and their mother. This book does not try to tell the “perfect” story, rather, it shows us the raw lives of a multigenerational immigrant household and the puzzle pieces that make up their familial picture. It is also about a group of women who can see beyond what is in front of them.

My mother’s magic, like all of the magic for those of us who have a hint of uncanniness, is not like White people’s magic in the movies—led by ritual, called upon, granted in a ceremony of smoke and candelabras. It is not an orderly system like how fantasy novels can describe the exact structure of where and whence and thusly. The women in my family get struck by an unknown lightning rod. Charged with a newfound gift that has rules unto itself.

This story is full of tough hard truths. Trauma. Unforgivable acts. And through these moments we see our characters mold and change. Learn and grow. Forgive (or not) and love. Pastora and Flor’s bond and backstory have stuck with me the most. And I do find that overall I looked forward to the chapters about the older women more than that of their daughters. It is hard to compare the stories of one sister who can see truth and another who can see death with that of their children who can feed the stomach and soul and … influence others’ sexual appetite (?). 

Despite a few moments that took me out of the tale, I enjoyed reading this account of a young woman getting to the core of the history (and lore) of her family, and a seasoned lady who wanted to be in control of her own story. I would definitely recommend giving this one a read (especially if magical, multigenerational matriarchys are up your alley!) and I look forward to diving into other works by Acevedo.