I received this book from the publisher for review.

Joan, Mya and their mother Miriam show up in Memphis at the family home after Joan’s father abuses her mother. The marriage, which had started so well, was struggling and needed to end. Living in the family home is Aunt August and her son Derek. This was the only option for Miriam since she had no job, no money, and no one else to turn to. Miriam is nervous though because there is history between Derek and Joan. Joan avoids Derek at all costs. What happened? Can their problem be solved or is it part of the fabric of the family?

The family story unfolds gradually as we move from past to present learning what makes this family who they are today. Miriam has to find her way forward and raise her daughters in the house she grew up in as a single mother. The neighbors protect the daughters of the girl they remember. As pieces of the story begin to fall into place, we see sadness and joy through the eyes of Joan, Miriam, August, and Hazel. These women are strong. They deal with adversity and hold their heads high. Joan finds herself at a crossroads and must decide whether she will stay true to her own desire for the future or capitulate to her mother’s plan for her future. What will Joan decide? Does her mother support Joan as an independent woman?

Memphis is a book that leads the reader to the heartwarming conclusion. The characters are magnificent. They are strong, fragile, flawed, and determined. These ladies are women you want to have as friends. There is a true sense of community here and that is what we all need. Tara M. Stringfellow tells this story lyrically. She uses beautiful syntax to tell this story. Memphis lives and breathes in the words and phrases she employs. This is a generational story illustrating the bonds of family in spite of flaws. It is rich, deep and one that must be experienced.

My Rating: 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

Additional Thoughts: When I was growing up in the 60’s and 70’s, everyone knew each other on our street. Being a kid, I knew the families with kids more that the others. We knew that any adult could correct or guide us and we were to be respectful. Memphis reminded me of this sense of community and brought back fond memories. While there are experiences in books that we have never had, an author that can take us through the experience with the character, is a true find. I know I will be looking forward to other books by this talented author.