Girl in the Mirror: Three Generations of Black Women in Motion

by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley

"Some say our story begins in the middle of an ocean, in the belly of a monster, at the mercy of demons. Others say that we began with a hammer and a nail; that we laid our bodies down and raised cities along our spines. But I say it goes deeper than that, deeper than cotton fields and human cargoes, the thick and heavy links of a history we’re constantly trying to break, to desire. The urge that stirs you in the middle of the night, grabs you by the spine and jerks your head upright. The story begins here, when we realize that we are no longer asleep, and the beat of our hearts sounds just like the beat of a faraway drum. And it is at this moment of unrest, when our hearts refuse to allow us to he still, that we realize what we must do, which is to gather ourselves up and move."

Girl in the Mirror is the story of the lives, loves and migrations of three generations of American American women: a grandmother, mother and daughter-on a journey in search of self. Reissued from the original 1998 publication.

Genres: History

197 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 26, 1998

Reviews

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect from the book since the author is famous for mostly children's books but I was really wrong. This book speaks to the courage that black women have had for centuries making journeys across the world to make a better life for themselves and generations to come. My book club also had the pleasure to meet the author at one of our meetings.

[Malynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This poetic and heartfelt memoir spanning 3 generations of women and their intertwining patterns of love despite struggle is perfect.

[Ciana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because I am writing a similar novel about a family of women, and wanted to see what had been written. Tarpley's novel reads more like poetry. In the first two sections it is less of a story and more the recalling of memories. The last section definitely ties the book together in discussing the bond between mothers and daughters, and how their stories intertwine and are ever evolving. Interesting read but I wanted more of a story and not poetic prose.