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The Seven Daughters of Dupree
From the two-time Emmy Award–winning producer and host of the Black and Published podcast comes a sweeping multi-generational epic following seven generations of Dupree women as they navigate love, loss, and the unyielding ties of family in the tradition of Homegoing and The Love Songs of W.E.B. DuBois.
It’s 1995, and fourteen-year-old Tati is determined to uncover the identity of her father. But her mother, Nadia, keeps her secrets close, while her grandmother Gladys remains silent about the family’s past, including why she left Land’s End, Alabama, in 1953. As Tati digs deeper, she uncovers a legacy of family secrets, where every generation of Dupree women has posed more questions than answers.
From Jubi in 1917, whose attempt to pass for white ends when she gives birth to Ruby; to Ruby’s fiery lust for Sampson in 1934 that leads to a baby of her own; to the night in 1980 that changed Nadia’s future forever, the Dupree women carry the weight of their heritage. Bound by a mysterious malediction that means they will only give birth to daughters, the Dupree women confront a legacy of pain, resilience, and survival that began with an enslaved ancestor who risked everything for freedom.
The Seven Daughters of Dupree masterfully weaves together themes of generational trauma, Black women’s resilience, and unbreakable familial bonds. Echoing the literary power of The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis, Nikesha Elise Williams delivers a feminist literary fiction that explores the ripple effects of actions, secrets, and love through seven generations of Black women.
It’s 1995, and fourteen-year-old Tati is determined to uncover the identity of her father. But her mother, Nadia, keeps her secrets close, while her grandmother Gladys remains silent about the family’s past, including why she left Land’s End, Alabama, in 1953. As Tati digs deeper, she uncovers a legacy of family secrets, where every generation of Dupree women has posed more questions than answers.
From Jubi in 1917, whose attempt to pass for white ends when she gives birth to Ruby; to Ruby’s fiery lust for Sampson in 1934 that leads to a baby of her own; to the night in 1980 that changed Nadia’s future forever, the Dupree women carry the weight of their heritage. Bound by a mysterious malediction that means they will only give birth to daughters, the Dupree women confront a legacy of pain, resilience, and survival that began with an enslaved ancestor who risked everything for freedom.
The Seven Daughters of Dupree masterfully weaves together themes of generational trauma, Black women’s resilience, and unbreakable familial bonds. Echoing the literary power of The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis, Nikesha Elise Williams delivers a feminist literary fiction that explores the ripple effects of actions, secrets, and love through seven generations of Black women.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 27, 2026
949 people are currently reading
77726 people want to read
About the author
Nikesha Elise Williams
9 books271 followersNikesha Elise Williams is a two-time Emmy award winning producer, an award-winning author, and producer and host of the Black and Published podcast. A narrative strategist by day and journalist always, her writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Bitter Southerner, Essence, and Vox. Nikesha’s work has been supported by the Kimbilio Fiction Fellowship, the DeGroot Foundation, and the Tin House Summer Workshop. A Chicago native, she lives in Florida with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 460 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
when a synopsis contains comparisons to my favorite books it's like okay! you got me!
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)
July 30, 2025
The Seven Daughters of Dupree was an emotional and powerful journey through generations of women bound by secrets, resilience, and an unshakable legacy. From the very beginning, I was drawn into Tati’s search for truth and identity—it felt so personal and raw. As each layer of the Dupree family history was revealed, I found myself moved by the pain, love, and sacrifice woven into their stories.
I’ll be honest—at first, the timeline shifts and introduction of so many characters left me a little disoriented. But once I settled into the rhythm, it became easier to follow and incredibly rewarding. Every chapter added depth and clarity, making the full picture come together in a really impactful way.
Each woman had her faults—there were definitely moments where I didn’t like their choices—but seeing things from their point of view made me understand them. I couldn’t help but feel compassion for what they endured and the strength it took to survive.
This book is a celebration of the strength of Black women, of legacy, of pain and perseverance passed down like an heirloom.
Thanks Netgalley and Gallery Books | Gallery/Scout Press for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.
I’ll be honest—at first, the timeline shifts and introduction of so many characters left me a little disoriented. But once I settled into the rhythm, it became easier to follow and incredibly rewarding. Every chapter added depth and clarity, making the full picture come together in a really impactful way.
Each woman had her faults—there were definitely moments where I didn’t like their choices—but seeing things from their point of view made me understand them. I couldn’t help but feel compassion for what they endured and the strength it took to survive.
This book is a celebration of the strength of Black women, of legacy, of pain and perseverance passed down like an heirloom.
Thanks Netgalley and Gallery Books | Gallery/Scout Press for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.
February 6, 2026
Unfortunately, there were too many characters and the back and forth pacing made this a difficult read.
Ended up skimming through the majority, though the last few chapters were tough and necessary to read. (slavery happened everyone, don't ever forget it)
That doesn’t mean the writing wasn’t good, however. I do look forward to what she will write next.
Ended up skimming through the majority, though the last few chapters were tough and necessary to read. (slavery happened everyone, don't ever forget it)
That doesn’t mean the writing wasn’t good, however. I do look forward to what she will write next.
Read
January 7, 2026
Book Riot’s Most Anticipated Books of 2026:
I first heard of this book directly from Williams at a writing conference. The Emmy Award-winning producer and podcast host told me the first line, and I was hooked. The Dupree women only give birth to daughters, but that's not the only mysterious thing about them. In 1995, 14-year-old Tati goes down a rabbit hole trying to find out who her father is, but just uncovers more secrets and questions. Like, why did her grandmother Gladys leave Land's End, Alabama in '53, and what happened to Jubi when she tried to pass for white in 1917? At the beginning of it all is the story of one enslaved ancestor who paid the ultimate price for freedom. —Erica Ezeifedi
I first heard of this book directly from Williams at a writing conference. The Emmy Award-winning producer and podcast host told me the first line, and I was hooked. The Dupree women only give birth to daughters, but that's not the only mysterious thing about them. In 1995, 14-year-old Tati goes down a rabbit hole trying to find out who her father is, but just uncovers more secrets and questions. Like, why did her grandmother Gladys leave Land's End, Alabama in '53, and what happened to Jubi when she tried to pass for white in 1917? At the beginning of it all is the story of one enslaved ancestor who paid the ultimate price for freedom. —Erica Ezeifedi
February 5, 2026
Whew. This one was an emotional ride. I am a sucker for a multigenerational story, especially when it’s centered on a family of women. You just know there are going to be secrets, lies, and things buried deep, and this book delivered all of it. Pain, love, sacrifice…it had everything. I won’t lie, I had to really pay attention at first with all the different timelines and storylines, but once it clicked, I was all in. These women were flawed and made some truly heartbreaking choices, but seeing life from their perspective gave me so much empathy for them. The strength it took for them to survive through colorism, racism, and the realities of their time was powerful and, at moments, hard to read… but so important. This story is about legacy, resilience, and the kind of perseverance that only women seem to carry across generations. I absolutely recommend it.
February 15, 2026
Unfortunately I just did not enjoy this book. There was one part of the family saga that had my attention (Logan & Jubilee) and I do appreciate Sarah(?)’s story but otherwise I found it frustrating trying to keep up with ALL the different characters due to the way (format) the story was written.
January 7, 2026
First hisfic of 2026 and I’m completely blown away!!! The Seven Daughters of Dupree by the lovely Nikesha Williams was everything I hoped for. The whole book felt so honest and raw. It was a perfect matriarchal family centered historical fiction with multi povs told across different time periods and focused on the lives of women I grew to love and adore.
I truly loved all the Dupree women. Seeing each of them go through their own journey through life and come out on the other side was so powerful, inspiring, unforgettable and emotive. I cried so much through out each woman’s chapters. They all went through too much hardship and pain that just didn’t let up. Trouble literally always found their family. And that is not an understatement! 😭🥲 But by the end, everything does come together, and you’re left with this deep sense of peace and rightness which is all you can hope for with a book like this fr.
Lastly I really loved the writing style and pacing of this book. The multi povs were so engaging and kept me coming back for more. Nikisha really made me just want to unlock all the secrets of these Dupree women asapppppp. I seriously can’t wait to read more from her in the future 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
I truly loved all the Dupree women. Seeing each of them go through their own journey through life and come out on the other side was so powerful, inspiring, unforgettable and emotive. I cried so much through out each woman’s chapters. They all went through too much hardship and pain that just didn’t let up. Trouble literally always found their family. And that is not an understatement! 😭🥲 But by the end, everything does come together, and you’re left with this deep sense of peace and rightness which is all you can hope for with a book like this fr.
Lastly I really loved the writing style and pacing of this book. The multi povs were so engaging and kept me coming back for more. Nikisha really made me just want to unlock all the secrets of these Dupree women asapppppp. I seriously can’t wait to read more from her in the future 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
February 21, 2026
I rarely write detailed reviews any more. However, every so often a book comes along that makes me put pen to paper because it's 10 out of 5. This is one of those books.
The Seven Daughters of Dupree is not simply a novel you read. It is a novel you travel through. I went in expecting a strong story and found instead a layered, immersive experience that moves with the rhythm of memory and inheritance. The dual timelines (my favorite thing) are handled with remarkable control, allowing seven generations to exist with equal weight and urgency. Each life matters.
What makes this book so powerful is its clear-eyed understanding of lineage. It is a story about familial tenacity and the long arc of striving. Achievement is built from sacrifice, from silence, from choices made by women whose names risk being forgotten. The novel confronts generational trauma without reducing its characters to suffering. Dreams, survival, and resistance live beside tenderness and ambition.
The portrayal of Black womanhood is expansive and deeply rooted in ancestral power. These women claim agency in ways both quiet and seismic. The book also interrogates the expectation of maternal love, especially when that love is constrained, hidden, or expressed in forms that are not immediately recognizable. That tension gives the story emotional complexity and honesty.
The prose...luminous. There is a musical quality to the language that carries the weight of history while still feeling intimate. Sentence by sentence, the writing invites you to slow down and listen. I loved the way this book was structured.
This feels like a new classic, a work that belongs in the canon of Black literature because the author understands legacy is not a single story. It is epic in scope and deeply personal at the same time, a novel that lingers long after the final page.
I reviewed the audiobook and read the hardcover.
The Seven Daughters of Dupree is not simply a novel you read. It is a novel you travel through. I went in expecting a strong story and found instead a layered, immersive experience that moves with the rhythm of memory and inheritance. The dual timelines (my favorite thing) are handled with remarkable control, allowing seven generations to exist with equal weight and urgency. Each life matters.
What makes this book so powerful is its clear-eyed understanding of lineage. It is a story about familial tenacity and the long arc of striving. Achievement is built from sacrifice, from silence, from choices made by women whose names risk being forgotten. The novel confronts generational trauma without reducing its characters to suffering. Dreams, survival, and resistance live beside tenderness and ambition.
The portrayal of Black womanhood is expansive and deeply rooted in ancestral power. These women claim agency in ways both quiet and seismic. The book also interrogates the expectation of maternal love, especially when that love is constrained, hidden, or expressed in forms that are not immediately recognizable. That tension gives the story emotional complexity and honesty.
The prose...luminous. There is a musical quality to the language that carries the weight of history while still feeling intimate. Sentence by sentence, the writing invites you to slow down and listen. I loved the way this book was structured.
This feels like a new classic, a work that belongs in the canon of Black literature because the author understands legacy is not a single story. It is epic in scope and deeply personal at the same time, a novel that lingers long after the final page.
I reviewed the audiobook and read the hardcover.
February 18, 2026
For Black History Month, wanted to make sure I read Black authors who don’t get their due and covers parts of history we don’t always see.
Kicking off with “The Seven Daughters of Dupree” from Nikesha Elisa Williams. It had me from the description; I’m a sucker for multigenerational family storylines. Unfortunately, I wasn’t a fan of how it was handled here with time jumps (mostly) confusing and the pacing slowing down any momentum in certain chapters.
Loved these characters and stories, but wish the book they lived in was better.
Kicking off with “The Seven Daughters of Dupree” from Nikesha Elisa Williams. It had me from the description; I’m a sucker for multigenerational family storylines. Unfortunately, I wasn’t a fan of how it was handled here with time jumps (mostly) confusing and the pacing slowing down any momentum in certain chapters.
Loved these characters and stories, but wish the book they lived in was better.
January 17, 2026
Beautifully done. I love a generational saga and this was that! If you are looking for a story that has a great pay off at the end! Baby I cried! This one won’t leave you.
Read
January 7, 2026It might only be January but this might be my favorite book cover of the year! Shout out to the cover artist!
Unfortunately that’s where my praise ends😩 When I got 20% through this book I had the DNF feeling, but since I received an ARC of this from the publisher, I wanted to keep pushing through. At 40% I knew I had to stop. DNF at 40%.
This was one of my most anticipated books of the year. Like I said, the cover instantly got me and I love multigenerational stories of women through history.
I really struggled with the writing style in this book. Multiple times I had to reread sentences just to figure out what was happening in a certain scene. I ended chapter 3 truly not having a clue of what I just read. I’m not by any means saying this is poor writing, it just didn’t work for me.
There is also some kind of “curse” “discernment” “clairvoyance” alluded to and this is a subject matter that I intentionally do not want to read about. Purely a personal preference.
This book held so much promise and I’m so sad that it didn’t work for me, but hopefully it can get into the hands of the right readers.
Thank you so very much to the publisher for the gifted ARC!!
Unfortunately that’s where my praise ends😩 When I got 20% through this book I had the DNF feeling, but since I received an ARC of this from the publisher, I wanted to keep pushing through. At 40% I knew I had to stop. DNF at 40%.
This was one of my most anticipated books of the year. Like I said, the cover instantly got me and I love multigenerational stories of women through history.
I really struggled with the writing style in this book. Multiple times I had to reread sentences just to figure out what was happening in a certain scene. I ended chapter 3 truly not having a clue of what I just read. I’m not by any means saying this is poor writing, it just didn’t work for me.
There is also some kind of “curse” “discernment” “clairvoyance” alluded to and this is a subject matter that I intentionally do not want to read about. Purely a personal preference.
This book held so much promise and I’m so sad that it didn’t work for me, but hopefully it can get into the hands of the right readers.
Thank you so very much to the publisher for the gifted ARC!!
February 3, 2026
A moving multigenerational story about one family of African American women through the ages and the ways generational trauma is passed down from mother to daughter over the years.
Told from alternating timelines and points of view, this one was a bit challenging to keep track of on audio but the characters were all strong women dealing with the blows life gave them trying their best for their children and themselves.
The narration by Bahni Turpin was top notch and the book is perfect for fans of authors like Dolen Perkins-Valdez, Sadeqa Johnson and Terah Shelton Harris. Many thanks to @simon.audio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
⚠️CW: rape, unexpected pregnancy, miscarriage, PTSD, infidelity
Told from alternating timelines and points of view, this one was a bit challenging to keep track of on audio but the characters were all strong women dealing with the blows life gave them trying their best for their children and themselves.
The narration by Bahni Turpin was top notch and the book is perfect for fans of authors like Dolen Perkins-Valdez, Sadeqa Johnson and Terah Shelton Harris. Many thanks to @simon.audio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
⚠️CW: rape, unexpected pregnancy, miscarriage, PTSD, infidelity
February 2, 2026
📚Historical fiction review 📚
The pictures don’t do it justice on just how beautiful this book really is. I could stare at it all day!
This is a sweeping multigenerational epic following seven generations of Dupree women as they navigate love, loss, and the unyielding ties of family.
It’s 1995 and Tati begins to look for who her father was. Her mother won’t say. As she goes down a rabbit hole of family secrets, she will find just how much the Dupree women have endured.
Themes of generational trauma are at the forefront here and I must tell you, there is a scene towards the end that ripped me open. Gutted me 😭. But it’s important because these things are a part of history and must be told.
With the start beginning as a slow burn, I found myself settling into the rhythm of the story. These characters are raw and real and I loved them so much.
If you are looking for a historical fiction novel for the month of February, I implore you to read The Seven Daughters of Dupree! I loved it!
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The pictures don’t do it justice on just how beautiful this book really is. I could stare at it all day!
This is a sweeping multigenerational epic following seven generations of Dupree women as they navigate love, loss, and the unyielding ties of family.
It’s 1995 and Tati begins to look for who her father was. Her mother won’t say. As she goes down a rabbit hole of family secrets, she will find just how much the Dupree women have endured.
Themes of generational trauma are at the forefront here and I must tell you, there is a scene towards the end that ripped me open. Gutted me 😭. But it’s important because these things are a part of history and must be told.
With the start beginning as a slow burn, I found myself settling into the rhythm of the story. These characters are raw and real and I loved them so much.
If you are looking for a historical fiction novel for the month of February, I implore you to read The Seven Daughters of Dupree! I loved it!
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 13, 2026
An intense but beautiful family saga that goes back 7 generations. The Dupree women have always believe they are cursed to only birth girls. When a family saying or belief goes back far enough, it can lose its meaning and even its truth. This book perfectly illustrates that.
Each generation of Dupree woman has their own traumas, loves, losses and relationships with their mothers. I think the relationship between Gladys and Nadia was the toughest one to read about because it was so obvious that something happened to Gladys to make her so difficult in her own motherhood journey. Once I got the answer I was too through.
In Nadia and Tati's relationship, I see healing for this familial line of Dupree women. I loved that Tati questioned everything and | love that Nadia let her, in her own way.
It all goes back to the name. My heart broke. I felt like the wind was knocked out of me by the end of this book. This family's story is so many of ours and that's the heartbreaking part.
Each generation of Dupree woman has their own traumas, loves, losses and relationships with their mothers. I think the relationship between Gladys and Nadia was the toughest one to read about because it was so obvious that something happened to Gladys to make her so difficult in her own motherhood journey. Once I got the answer I was too through.
In Nadia and Tati's relationship, I see healing for this familial line of Dupree women. I loved that Tati questioned everything and | love that Nadia let her, in her own way.
It all goes back to the name. My heart broke. I felt like the wind was knocked out of me by the end of this book. This family's story is so many of ours and that's the heartbreaking part.
January 25, 2026
I’m calling it now- this will be a top read of the year for me! Yes I know. It’s only January but the storytelling, the way this author tied everything together, and made the ending come full circle was brilliant. The seven daughters of Dupree follow seven generations of women from the Dupree bloodline. The interesting piece about their bloodline Is in this family the women are not able to bear sons. Admittedly this book is a little bit heavy because there is a lot of loss experienced in this book. Grief, loss not only from lives lost, love lost, freedoms lost, but also from a life that you thought you would have. I found the mothers in this book to be cold and harsh, but as you read further, you see that they all had to overcome a battle within their life that hardened them to life in general. I think these women, though harsh, their intentions were to protect their daughters and stop them from the same fate that they had. I truly believe each mother wanted the best for her daughter.
I loved how Hair was a underlying theme in this book. Many enslaved women would braid the path to freedom in their hair and you’ll notice that hair is woven throughout this book. The beauty of hair and the conversation, the camaraderie, and connection that it can bring.
The ending was beautiful and I enjoyed seeing what happened to Tati and Nadia and the way the overall story ended. I truly believe that Tati was her ancestors wildest dreams. I thought this book also highlighted the significance and the importance in the gift of land ownership. The land in Lands Ens stay within their family for generations and it ended up being the gift that kept on giving. I love that it was a central place that each of the Dupree women could come back to in a place that they could always call Home. The seven daughters of Dupree also reminds us how important our family histories are. How important it is to know your history and for generations to continue to pass down those memories and those stories. When one inevitably goes searching for who they are that history will be so helpful at finding yourself and I think we were able to witness that in this book. Family secrets keep one us in mental bondage. I love to see generational curses, being broken with Gladys Tati and Nadia.
If you are looking for a book with beautiful writing, beautiful storytelling, resilience, womanhood, connection, family, history, loss, grief, love then I highly recommend the seven daughters of Dupree. I can’t wait to see more from this author.
February 12, 2026
5 stars. Rtc.
February 12, 2026
this was so beautifully done. wow.
February 23, 2026
This was my first time reading a book by this author and wow what a story! The last 15% of this book was very hard to read. I had to take a couple days to pick the book back up because I knew what was coming. Seven generations of women, family secrets and a curse. The author did a phenomenal job showing how each lady handle their situation and how it affected the next generation of women.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishing company for the ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and the publishing company for the ARC.
February 7, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley and Gallery Books for the ARC of this title.
This was a story about the strength of women through tough times. I had a hard time getting into this book in the beginning because of the time shifts and amount of new characters introduced. I think maybe one less timeline could have made it easier to follow. Then there was the curse on the Dupree women, which was absolutely heartbreaking. I think the idea was there for this story but the execution was a bit lacking. 3.5 stars.
This was a story about the strength of women through tough times. I had a hard time getting into this book in the beginning because of the time shifts and amount of new characters introduced. I think maybe one less timeline could have made it easier to follow. Then there was the curse on the Dupree women, which was absolutely heartbreaking. I think the idea was there for this story but the execution was a bit lacking. 3.5 stars.
August 21, 2025
Wow. This book was such a moving and layered read. Spanning generations of Dupree women from 1917 to 1995, the story unravels family secrets, heartbreak, resilience, and the deep, unbreakable bonds of womanhood.
What stood out most to me was the way each generation’s story built upon the last — from Jubi’s attempt to pass as white, to Ruby’s fiery passion, to Nadia’s haunting choices, and finally to Tati’s search for truth. Each woman’s voice felt distinct yet tied together by the legacy they carried. The theme of generational trauma and resilience was written so vividly, it made me pause and reflect on the strength that’s often passed down through women — even when it comes with pain.
Tropes / Themes I loved:
🌙 Generational Saga
🌙 Family Secrets
🌙 Coming-of-Age
🌙 Legacy & Inheritance
🌙 Resilience of Black Women
What I Learned:
This story reminded me that silence can weigh just as heavily as words — secrets don’t disappear, they echo through generations until someone has the courage to face them. It also highlighted the power of resilience, how love and survival often coexist in complicated ways, and how confronting the past is often the only way to change the future.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A beautiful, emotional, and unforgettable novel that will stay with me long after the last page.
Huge thanks to netgalley, and Nikesha Elise Williams for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
What stood out most to me was the way each generation’s story built upon the last — from Jubi’s attempt to pass as white, to Ruby’s fiery passion, to Nadia’s haunting choices, and finally to Tati’s search for truth. Each woman’s voice felt distinct yet tied together by the legacy they carried. The theme of generational trauma and resilience was written so vividly, it made me pause and reflect on the strength that’s often passed down through women — even when it comes with pain.
Tropes / Themes I loved:
🌙 Generational Saga
🌙 Family Secrets
🌙 Coming-of-Age
🌙 Legacy & Inheritance
🌙 Resilience of Black Women
What I Learned:
This story reminded me that silence can weigh just as heavily as words — secrets don’t disappear, they echo through generations until someone has the courage to face them. It also highlighted the power of resilience, how love and survival often coexist in complicated ways, and how confronting the past is often the only way to change the future.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A beautiful, emotional, and unforgettable novel that will stay with me long after the last page.
Huge thanks to netgalley, and Nikesha Elise Williams for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 7, 2026
I love a book that grabs me from the opening line and this one is a doozy! (Shades of Toni Morrison...)
In The Seven Daughters of Dupree, Nikeisha Elise Williams tells a deeply human story about family, legacy, and the many ways a mother’s life echoes through her children. Following Dupree and her seven daughters, the novel examines how love, sacrifice, and unspoken pain are shared across generations. Williams’s writing is patient and thoughtful, drawing readers into a world that feels lived-in and emotionally authentic.
I started this on audio and, after the jaw-dropping prologue, I was bit confused with all of the names and nicknames in varying timelines. I did so much better when I was able to get my hands on the physical copy and was even more grateful when I realized there was a family tree in the front endpapers. It is somewhat incomplete but that is a critical part of the story.
The book follows the stories of seven generations of Dupree women who each have their own challenges and hardships to face. The non-linear narrative was a little challenging until I got familiar with each voice but by about 25 percent, I was all in and fully immersed in the stories. The novel traces how each daughter grows into womanhood while carrying the imprint of their shared upbringing. Even though they are bound by blood, each woman faces her challenges in a unique way, revealing the many different ways people interpret the same history. Some of the characters are difficult to love, at least at first, but you eventually understand the reasons why they were forged to be harsh and unyielding.
The book doesn't focus on one major event but felt like more of an exploration of themes of motherhood, generational trauma and resilience. It definitely honors the complexities of family and the ties that bind.
The last half of the book is where this story really blossomed, despite much of it being very painful to read. I felt like there was just enough time to give each woman a place to shine and have her own recognition. If anything, I think I would have appreciated another hundred pages just to dig deeper but it is impressive how much story was told in just over 300 pages.
This book will resonate with anyone who loves historical fiction - especially black women's stories and history, generational narratives and character driven, reflective litfic. I got big Toni Morrison vibes from this book and there is some really striking poetry that harkened back to Maya Angelou. This would be an outstanding book club pick. 4 stars
In The Seven Daughters of Dupree, Nikeisha Elise Williams tells a deeply human story about family, legacy, and the many ways a mother’s life echoes through her children. Following Dupree and her seven daughters, the novel examines how love, sacrifice, and unspoken pain are shared across generations. Williams’s writing is patient and thoughtful, drawing readers into a world that feels lived-in and emotionally authentic.
I started this on audio and, after the jaw-dropping prologue, I was bit confused with all of the names and nicknames in varying timelines. I did so much better when I was able to get my hands on the physical copy and was even more grateful when I realized there was a family tree in the front endpapers. It is somewhat incomplete but that is a critical part of the story.
The book follows the stories of seven generations of Dupree women who each have their own challenges and hardships to face. The non-linear narrative was a little challenging until I got familiar with each voice but by about 25 percent, I was all in and fully immersed in the stories. The novel traces how each daughter grows into womanhood while carrying the imprint of their shared upbringing. Even though they are bound by blood, each woman faces her challenges in a unique way, revealing the many different ways people interpret the same history. Some of the characters are difficult to love, at least at first, but you eventually understand the reasons why they were forged to be harsh and unyielding.
The book doesn't focus on one major event but felt like more of an exploration of themes of motherhood, generational trauma and resilience. It definitely honors the complexities of family and the ties that bind.
The last half of the book is where this story really blossomed, despite much of it being very painful to read. I felt like there was just enough time to give each woman a place to shine and have her own recognition. If anything, I think I would have appreciated another hundred pages just to dig deeper but it is impressive how much story was told in just over 300 pages.
This book will resonate with anyone who loves historical fiction - especially black women's stories and history, generational narratives and character driven, reflective litfic. I got big Toni Morrison vibes from this book and there is some really striking poetry that harkened back to Maya Angelou. This would be an outstanding book club pick. 4 stars
January 27, 2026
4.25 ⭐️
The Seven Daughters of Dupree 💐
“Separated from her body, she still wasn’t dead. They didn’t know that while bodies could be kidnapped and used, bought, sold and bruised, seasoned until broken…minds could never be tamed.”
In this historical fiction we follow seven generations of black women as they navigate family, love, loss and an unshakable curse.
What an incredibly crafted story. This book digs deep into racism, pain, resilience, gender inequality and what it means to be a black woman in America. The timeline and plot was very captivating and impactful. Each storyline was unique with emotional depth. The Seven Daughters of Dupree is a powerful story that weaves together multiple stories navigating different time periods in a non-linear fashion. The last story broke me and had me in tears. This book unveiled how generations of decisions, actions and ambitions really impact how the generations to come will be affected. These women were not only dealing with their own personal drama but also combating generational family trauma as well. I admire these women, and it only takes one generation to keep pushing and asking questions to break the chain for future generations.
Thanks again @gallerybooks and @simonandschuster for a gifted finished copy
𝗽𝘂𝗯 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺 1/27/26
ғᴏʀᴍᴀᴛ: 📖
ʟᴇɴɢᴛʜ: 336pgs
The Seven Daughters of Dupree 💐
“Separated from her body, she still wasn’t dead. They didn’t know that while bodies could be kidnapped and used, bought, sold and bruised, seasoned until broken…minds could never be tamed.”
In this historical fiction we follow seven generations of black women as they navigate family, love, loss and an unshakable curse.
What an incredibly crafted story. This book digs deep into racism, pain, resilience, gender inequality and what it means to be a black woman in America. The timeline and plot was very captivating and impactful. Each storyline was unique with emotional depth. The Seven Daughters of Dupree is a powerful story that weaves together multiple stories navigating different time periods in a non-linear fashion. The last story broke me and had me in tears. This book unveiled how generations of decisions, actions and ambitions really impact how the generations to come will be affected. These women were not only dealing with their own personal drama but also combating generational family trauma as well. I admire these women, and it only takes one generation to keep pushing and asking questions to break the chain for future generations.
Thanks again @gallerybooks and @simonandschuster for a gifted finished copy
𝗽𝘂𝗯 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺 1/27/26
ғᴏʀᴍᴀᴛ: 📖
ʟᴇɴɢᴛʜ: 336pgs
January 28, 2026
This was a compelling story of how the hardship and trauma one experiences has an effect on the next generation and how people treat their children. The author made me dislike the characters as mothers but sympathetic towards them as daughters. But Jubi was by far the worst! A touch of hoodoo/magical realism. I loved the setup of the book. The colorism in this book as jarring! Jealousy, lies, curses, genetics and secrets. Some jaw dropping moments.
I’m also confused about the seven daughters. The story focused on six women, unless we’re counting Evalgeline or maybe the newest addition. The book need trigger warnings but you can imagine all the bad things that can happen to black women.
I’m also confused about the seven daughters. The story focused on six women, unless we’re counting Evalgeline or maybe the newest addition. The book need trigger warnings but you can imagine all the bad things that can happen to black women.
January 10, 2026
The Seven Daughters of Dupree immediately drew me in—the title alone reminded me of the movie Roots, The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett & Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite. What followed was a deliberate, multi-generational exploration of seven Black women that left me feeling deeply empowered, no lie. The genuine vulnerability was top tier.
The novel shines in its exploration of fractured relationships between Black mothers & daughters. It demonstrates that when Black mamas try to hide the past from their daughters as a form of protection, it almost never works out that way. Some of our mamas chose not to love us too hard in an effort to shield us from trauma—but the book shows that withholding or sanitizing history can leave wounds unresolved. That restraint wasn’t about a lack of care—it was about survival, yet understanding these choices is the only way we can ever truly move forward.
This story also reinforces something essential: the brutality & trauma we endure must be shared, yes—but so must our resilience & strength. These women carry the weight of generations of oppression, yet their courage, survival, & love shine through. The novel doesn’t just dwell in pain—it honors how we endure, resist, & rise.
Because the story spans so many generations & family members, I found myself wishing for a family tree or pedigree chart. Keeping track of everyone could be challenging at times, & some kind of visual aid would’ve helped me stay oriented. But I suppose that’s the former archival assistant in me. Still, for real, a graphic element would have elevated the reading experience.
My biggest critique is the title—& it’s a structural one. I hate book titles that center women by their position to a man; it’s inherently misogynistic. In this case, naming the book after the white man who enslaved them feels especially off. These women carry the history, the trauma, the legacy, & the survival, yet the framing still asks us to enter their story through him. Incorporating the name without centering it—or better yet, foregrounding the daughters themselves—would have aligned far more with the feminist & matrilineal power of the story.
SN: I really wanted Jubi & Logan to get back together. & I couldn’t stop thinking—what if Ruby was super dark because Logan had Black ancestry in him? That would’ve been a wild & meaningful plot twist, especially considering the novel’s themes around secrecy, race, & inheritance.
By the end, I was undone. The dedication for Tati’s book had me bawling—an intimate, earned moment that beautifully captured the legacy of love, loss, & resilience threaded through every generation.
Despite a few missed opportunities, The Seven Daughters of Dupree is a powerful & necessary contribution to Black literature—one that traces Black history across decades through the lives of women & reminds us why these stories matter most when they’re written by one of us, sharing both the trauma we’ve endured & the strength we carry forward.
*I received an advance review copy for free & am leaving this review voluntarily.*
#ThankGodForARCs
The novel shines in its exploration of fractured relationships between Black mothers & daughters. It demonstrates that when Black mamas try to hide the past from their daughters as a form of protection, it almost never works out that way. Some of our mamas chose not to love us too hard in an effort to shield us from trauma—but the book shows that withholding or sanitizing history can leave wounds unresolved. That restraint wasn’t about a lack of care—it was about survival, yet understanding these choices is the only way we can ever truly move forward.
This story also reinforces something essential: the brutality & trauma we endure must be shared, yes—but so must our resilience & strength. These women carry the weight of generations of oppression, yet their courage, survival, & love shine through. The novel doesn’t just dwell in pain—it honors how we endure, resist, & rise.
Because the story spans so many generations & family members, I found myself wishing for a family tree or pedigree chart. Keeping track of everyone could be challenging at times, & some kind of visual aid would’ve helped me stay oriented. But I suppose that’s the former archival assistant in me. Still, for real, a graphic element would have elevated the reading experience.
My biggest critique is the title—& it’s a structural one. I hate book titles that center women by their position to a man; it’s inherently misogynistic. In this case, naming the book after the white man who enslaved them feels especially off. These women carry the history, the trauma, the legacy, & the survival, yet the framing still asks us to enter their story through him. Incorporating the name without centering it—or better yet, foregrounding the daughters themselves—would have aligned far more with the feminist & matrilineal power of the story.
SN: I really wanted Jubi & Logan to get back together. & I couldn’t stop thinking—what if Ruby was super dark because Logan had Black ancestry in him? That would’ve been a wild & meaningful plot twist, especially considering the novel’s themes around secrecy, race, & inheritance.
By the end, I was undone. The dedication for Tati’s book had me bawling—an intimate, earned moment that beautifully captured the legacy of love, loss, & resilience threaded through every generation.
Despite a few missed opportunities, The Seven Daughters of Dupree is a powerful & necessary contribution to Black literature—one that traces Black history across decades through the lives of women & reminds us why these stories matter most when they’re written by one of us, sharing both the trauma we’ve endured & the strength we carry forward.
*I received an advance review copy for free & am leaving this review voluntarily.*
#ThankGodForARCs
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2026
1 of my favorite historical fiction books. 5 stars. & if I could , I’d add 5 more !! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ yes, there are a lot of characters, and it does jump from generation to generation. But I promise you , if you could just follow along. It’s so well worth it.
& can I just say I feel for Sarah. Thank you Sarah. I’m sorry to you Sarah.
& can I just say I feel for Sarah. Thank you Sarah. I’m sorry to you Sarah.
February 2, 2026
This multigenerational read kept my attention the entire time. Now there were times, I had to go back to see which character was which, because at times to me I got them crossed. I seem to find all the dramatic parts in books and Gladys gave me what I needed lol. Just a lil miss messy boots. There were a few parts in the book that were a little hard to read because it has become the norm in society and me realizing that not much has changed on how women are treated. Great book.
December 25, 2025
Where do I begin? The Seven Daughters of Dupree is just as haunting as it is unforgettable. We get to experience every hardship, heartache, and victories of seven generations of Dupree women. The writing and story telling were equally enrapturing. If you enjoyed GROWN WOMEN and ZEAL, you’ll absolutely love this as well.
February 20, 2026
This was such a beautiful book, but a difficult read. I looove a multi-generational historical fiction so this story of many generations of Dupree women was right up my alley. There are multiple different timelines and character perspectives, between 1860 and now, meaning that we get to meet women at different stages of their life (daughter, mother, grandmother) and see how the decisions of each generation shape the next.
In a lot of ways the story is centered around Tati, a teenager in the 1990s who is trying to get details about her father from her mother, Nadia. But as readers we dip in and out of the multiple timelines, learning more about Jubilee in 1917, Gladys in 1953, and Sarah(?) in 1860. There is a lovely thru-line in the book of the importance of Black women's hair, which paid off in a particularly lovely way in the conclusion. (Which I'm grateful for since the story of Sarah(?) was otherwise so tragic.
I was more drawn to some characters and storylines than others, and found myself wishing at the start of many chapters that there was a family tree at the beginning of the book that I could refer back to. I would absolutely recommend to fans of Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson and Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi.
In a lot of ways the story is centered around Tati, a teenager in the 1990s who is trying to get details about her father from her mother, Nadia. But as readers we dip in and out of the multiple timelines, learning more about Jubilee in 1917, Gladys in 1953, and Sarah(?) in 1860. There is a lovely thru-line in the book of the importance of Black women's hair, which paid off in a particularly lovely way in the conclusion. (Which I'm grateful for since the story of Sarah(?) was otherwise so tragic.
I was more drawn to some characters and storylines than others, and found myself wishing at the start of many chapters that there was a family tree at the beginning of the book that I could refer back to. I would absolutely recommend to fans of Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson and Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi.
February 23, 2026
Nikesha Elise Williams wrote a stunning story. The writing is flawless, with a lyrical, almost musical quality to it. There’s a rhythm to the prose that carries you forward. It felt intentional and beautifully crafted.
The ancestral thread, especially in part four when we’re introduced to the enslaved woman who started it all, added so much depth and historical grounding. That section broke my heart. It was difficult to read but in the way that feels necessary. The emotional arc is strong throughout, particularly in how pain and resilience exist side by side within the same family tree. Generational trauma and strength woven together.
That said, I did find it confusing. There are a lot of women and each chapter shifts perspective while moving between past and present. I referenced the family tree more times than I can count. While I appreciate the ambition of telling such an expansive story, it occasionally disrupted my reading flow. With so many characters, the core message felt slightly diluted to me.
Overall, it’s beautifully written and thematically powerful, even if I sometimes felt lost in the branches of the family tree.
Rating: 3.5, rounded up.
The ancestral thread, especially in part four when we’re introduced to the enslaved woman who started it all, added so much depth and historical grounding. That section broke my heart. It was difficult to read but in the way that feels necessary. The emotional arc is strong throughout, particularly in how pain and resilience exist side by side within the same family tree. Generational trauma and strength woven together.
That said, I did find it confusing. There are a lot of women and each chapter shifts perspective while moving between past and present. I referenced the family tree more times than I can count. While I appreciate the ambition of telling such an expansive story, it occasionally disrupted my reading flow. With so many characters, the core message felt slightly diluted to me.
Overall, it’s beautifully written and thematically powerful, even if I sometimes felt lost in the branches of the family tree.
Rating: 3.5, rounded up.
January 17, 2026
A daughter, desperate to know who her father is, finds that the fullness of her person is actually found through discovering the paths of the women that came before her.
“You don’t know what you think you know.”
And what you don’t know may not kill you, but through the seven daughters of Dupree we understand how secrets passed down through each women holds weight in the healing and restoration of our souls. The wounds of our mothers and our mother’s mother must be shared. Because those wounds become monuments along our paths, meant for us to stop and study on our journeys.
I really loved reading this book and getting to know these women in their respective generations. Each chapter, a different window into the daughters of Dupree uncovered the story of how they each came to be—all the way back to the 1800s. The strength and the resilience of these women is just as remarkable as their mistakes and misfortunes. Their stories made me wonder about the stories of the women in my family and how much I don’t know. I think about how the little I do know directly informs the person I am now.
This book is an ode to the South and a call for black women to recognize the power and strength of the women before them. To let that power and strength influence our present and our futures. Not to hold it in shame.
This book out in about 2 weeks and I think you’ll definitely want to add this to your TBR
“You don’t know what you think you know.”
And what you don’t know may not kill you, but through the seven daughters of Dupree we understand how secrets passed down through each women holds weight in the healing and restoration of our souls. The wounds of our mothers and our mother’s mother must be shared. Because those wounds become monuments along our paths, meant for us to stop and study on our journeys.
I really loved reading this book and getting to know these women in their respective generations. Each chapter, a different window into the daughters of Dupree uncovered the story of how they each came to be—all the way back to the 1800s. The strength and the resilience of these women is just as remarkable as their mistakes and misfortunes. Their stories made me wonder about the stories of the women in my family and how much I don’t know. I think about how the little I do know directly informs the person I am now.
This book is an ode to the South and a call for black women to recognize the power and strength of the women before them. To let that power and strength influence our present and our futures. Not to hold it in shame.
This book out in about 2 weeks and I think you’ll definitely want to add this to your TBR
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