44 pages • 1 hour read
Ayana MathisThe Twelve Tribes of Hattie
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2012A 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
The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis traces the lives of the Shepherd family in Philadelphia from 1925 to 1980, centering on their enigmatic matriarch, Hattie. Through individual chapters, the novel delves into the experiences and struggles of Hattie's children and granddaughter, showcasing their perspectives on Hattie's hopes, pain, and resilience throughout several decades.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Ayana Mathis's The Twelve Tribes of Hattie offers a powerful narrative about resilience and family ties, vividly portraying the African American experience. The prose is lauded for its richness and emotional depth. Critics note, however, that its fragmented structure may challenge some readers. Overall, it is celebrated for its intense and immersive storytelling.
Who Should Read The Twelve Tribes of Hattie?
Readers who enjoy multifaceted family sagas would relish The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis. This novel appeals to fans of Toni Morrison's Beloved and Alice Walker's The Color Purple with its rich exploration of African American experiences, resilience, and the complexity of matrilineal legacies.