]BWF] Memphis by Tara M Stringfellow – 4 Stars

[Hannah]

Covering the stories of three generations of a family from Memphis, this book shows how talent, hard-work and determination can change things for a family. I really liked how the narrative went back and forward in the different time periods and characters in this book, though this was not always smooth. I was a little surprised that Mya didn’t get any chapters given how important she is to the story, and I would like to have spent more time getting to know Hazel better. This book covered some difficult themes around abuse and so was a difficult read at times, but the main thing I took away from this book was how the love of a family and the strength it can provide can help to build people up and support them when they need it most.

[Peacejanz]

Good review. I liked the book, too. Wonder if there will be a follow-up? Thanks for the review. peace, janz

[Hannah]

Peacejanz wrote: "Good review. I liked the book, too. Wonder if there will be a follow-up? Thanks for the review. peace, janz"

I assume that there won't be a follow-up unless it is set quite a few years later, as part of the pull of this novel is the importance of Memphis and being there to the family. With Joan's success that we saw at the end of the novel, I would think for her, she needs to move away from Memphis to prove she has learnt what her family and city could teach her, and she is now able to improve her life by moving away from Memphis. But even if there isn't a follow-up to this book, I will read whatever the author published next.