MEMPHIS, Tara M. Stringfellow’s debut novel, revolves around three generations of a Southern Black family. Spanning over 70 years, from the 1920s through the ’90s, the book introduces us to four women --- Hazel; her daughters, Miriam and August; and Miriam’s daughters, Joan and Mya. They all suffer through so much adversity yet remain pillars of strength.

I assume that most Black readers will feel a kinship with these characters and understand the many references to hair styling, music, and the strong connection between mother and daughter. Those who aren’t Black, like myself, will read with the backgrounds of our own histories and cultural biases. I was proud of the Jewish owner of a deli who supported his Black customers, perhaps identifying with the indignities of daily life that they endured because of the mistreatment and prejudice that Jews faced.

"Look forward to spending time in Memphis, smelling the food and feeling the heat. Be prepared to feel empathy for these characters, who don't let any of their imperfections stop them from achieving their goals."

It felt almost voyeuristic to read about the innermost thoughts of these women, watching them flee domestic abuse, seeing the aftermath of rape, and witnessing the suffering from the many premature deaths and losses that permeate their lives. In one expressive paragraph, Joan comments that she finally feels free. Her aunt responds, "'Free?' Her laugh was steeped in the same bitterness when I had asked her about God. 'A Black woman hasn't even known the meaning of that word, my love.'"

The novel is told in alternating time periods. While often confusing, the family tree at the beginning of the book helped center me in the chapter I was currently reading. At one point, it occurred to me that perhaps the reason Stringfellow chose to narrate the story in this manner is because the events in the lives of these women, which result in them raising their children as single mothers, repeat from generation to generation. Hazel’s husband was lynched by his fellow police officers in Memphis while she was eight months pregnant with Miriam. Years later, Miriam flees an abusive marriage with her handsome, successful husband. And August, whose boyfriend disappeared, does the best she can to take care of her son, Derek. Derek is the only male progeny in the family, and his story is both heartbreaking and chilling.

The only first-person narrative is that of Joan, who was raped as a toddler. While the white doctor arrogantly assured Miriam that she would not remember the assault, sadly she does. Joan is brilliant and an exceptionally talented artist. In fact, every woman in this family is gifted in one way or another. August has the voice of an angel, although she uses her creativity to style hair when circumstances don't allow her to attend college.

As we read each woman's unique story, we see the repeated themes of independence and strength over the struggle --- both financial and emotional --- that being the sole support of a family entails. The book is at times magical and mystical, as adorable as the stray cats and the loving Husky named Wolf, and as heartbreaking as the after-effects of rape and lynching suggest. Look forward to spending time in Memphis, smelling the food and feeling the heat. Be prepared to feel empathy for these characters, who don't let any of their imperfections stop them from achieving their goals. MEMPHIS is a place you will want to visit.