63 pages • 2 hours read
Tara M. StringfellowMemphis
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow follows three generations of the North family, focusing on the experiences and struggles of Black women from 1937 to 2003. The narrative, presented through fragmented timelines, centers on Joan, who returns to her ancestral home in Memphis with her mother Miriam and sister Mya, escaping an abusive household. Joan nurtures her artistic talents amid family trauma, while her mother and aunt, August, also cope with challenges. Their interconnected stories explore themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of dreams. The book contains depictions of domestic abuse, racist violence, and child sexual abuse.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow has garnered praise for its lyrical prose and deep exploration of familial bonds and resilience. Critics commend its rich character development and vivid portrayal of the city's culture. However, some note a slower narrative pace and occasional predictability. Overall, Memphis is celebrated for its emotional depth and evocative storytelling.
Who Should Read Memphis?
A reader who would enjoy Memphis by Tara M. Stringfellow is one who appreciates multi-generational family sagas and richly woven narratives centered on African American experiences. Fans of The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett and The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates would find this novel compelling.