Memphis: A Novel

To be honest, this was a bit of a tough read.'Memphis' is a powerful story, woven over several decades, about three generations of North women. It is a tale of family, love & race, all written together with beautiful settings & descriptions.However, it is also steeped in darkness & difficulty, touching on subjects (racism, rape, abuse to name a few) that can be hard to swallow (or read).I also sometimes struggle when reading books like this one, simply due to my own lack of understanding from my white privileged upbringing. But as the chapters went on, I found myself drawn into Memphis & the women & people encompassed in it & it reminded me exactly why I DO pick up these books in the first place - to try & learn & understand what it might be like to be a different race, colour or creed.Whilst this was a compelling book, it was rather tough to follow as well, as it would change narration & time periods often.Overall, 'Memphis' was well worth the read & very deserving of it's literary awards.

A wonderful and sometimes painful read on the generational trauma and strength experienced by 3 eras of North women in Memphis.I loved that the women took centre stage in this novel and how their support and care for each other helps them get through the toughest times. Sometimes difficult to read due to the heavy nature of some topics, but it's handled expertly by the author to make you feel, without repelling the reader.A celebration of black womanhood, with all its challenges and beauty.

I think it's worth saying upfront that this book should come with a TW as a key storyline in it left me upset, especially as it is something similar to what my partner has experienced...I'll leave you to Google search what it is as don't want to spoil the plot as I know many people hate that on here.Overall, the story isn't bad but I think the copy is overly descriptive throughout, and the use of some terms ('calico kittens' springs to mind) is rinsed to death. It also felt like the author assumed the reader would need ongoing reminders of character traits. For example, a deli owned is referenced as German with a heavy accent at every appearance, but we know this - it doesn't need to be hammered home so often.As lot of the characters feel quite stereotypey and lack unique experiences, with the connections between them meagre at best. A couple are both attractive and like to read....they should get married right?! It all feels a bit steel magnolias at times.However, saying that, I do think this is a decent holiday read and will keep you entertained for a day or so. Just don't go into it expecting a fresh perspective on the topics covered.

Having experienced something similar myself, where I was molested by an uncle, harassed and stalked and no one believed me, it was nice to see that I wasn't alone. Being from an Asian culture, it is taboo to talk about being touched wronged by a man, or being looked at wrong, or being followed. My family were adamant I was wrong, then he was caught doing the same to my sister and then people believed me. 5 years later, and it's like why didn't they believe me before? I kept the secret from my friends and family in the future for a long time, ashamed by what I had to go through at 11 years old and this book made me realise I didn't have to be ashamed anymore.Thank you Tara, for bringing to light these events as they are more common than we know. Thank you for being vulnerable and telling us a story like this that tests the nerve and wit of others.Thank you for making me feel less alone in such a large world.

One of the best books of this year. What a beautiful journey. Such atmosphere...it felt like being in memphis. Marvelous!