Memory of Kin: Stories About Family by Black Writers

by Mary Helen Washington (editor)

Critic, essayist, and anthologist Mary Helen Washington has chosen as the theme of her newest collection "the family as a living mystery." She selected nineteen stories and twelve poems by some of this century's leading black authors that oblige the reader to observe the complexities of the family in new and provocative ways.

Genres: Short Stories, Anthologies

432 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1990

Reviews

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great re-read from start to finish. However, the commentary that contextualizes the writers and their works feels dated, now.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one of what I call "foundation books". Books that are a must read if you are interested in black writers.

[☺Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memory of Kin is an excellent anthology of stories all about family from a selection of accomplished black writers. It includes three short stories by Ernest J. Gaines: Just like A Tree (Auntie Fe), The Sky Is Gray (James and his Mama), and A Long Day In November (Eddie, Amy, and Sonny Howard). I enjoyed all three because of the strong characterizations they contained and their realistic depictions of supportive and loving, yet sometimes harsh and demanding, family relationships.
Male dominance, the threat of violence, and interference from kin almost destroys a family in A Long Day In November but the story ends on a hopeful note. Madame Toussaint's advice accomplished what Reverend Simmons' intervention could not - reuniting the Howard family.
Other favorites include Roselily by Alice Walker, The Circling Hand by Jamaica Kincaid, and To Da-Duh, In Memoriam by Paule Marshall.
What helped earn this wonderful anthology five stars is the inclusion of commentaries about each author written by the anthologist, Mary Helen Washington. These critical essays enhanced my understanding and appreciation of these authors and their works.