A review by hazzas_books
Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

I think the book is structured, masterfully. It’s like a piece of colour work, knitting, where the threads are carried along on the wrong side to make the perfect pattern at the front as we get between years and characters you always know where you are and Tara Stringfellow deafly anchors you in the text. We are never lost and she waves are fine tapestry.

 it is a wonderfully moving book about the lives of women in Memphis in one family spanning a few generations and women who helped to bring up the children. It also looks at the man in their lives as well and the impact they have and the love and violence they bring.

 I particularly liked when Miriam sees Jones at work in Derricks room. Those 10 foot canvases of the Queens of women who brought them up women who are strong, powerful and beautiful and those canvases take over the room of this man who raped her daughter, Joan, the artist. The art reclaim is something over writes something. But it also heals something not just for Jane but perhaps for Derek as well. There is an overriding message that an iPhone I is not a viable solution to the healing of pain causing somebody trauma doesn’t make your own go away, but giving art creativity and forgiveness perhaps can do more.