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Cover of FAMILY SPIRIT
3.89

Based on 53 Goodreads ratings

FAMILY SPIRIT

by Luda. Nona’s story then swerves from Lorna and Ayana to Ayana’s Aunt Lil, granddaughter of powerful Mace matriarch GG. As a young woman in the 1970s, Lil was banished from family meetings because she revealed the gift of Knowing to an outsider in her bid to build a career in media (she starts with an appearance on the era’s real\u002Dlife Philadelphia hit, The Mike Douglas Show). Lil’s section sparkles with authenticity, as does a section about Ayana when she’s 22, torn between easy delights with two very different men and buckling down in her undergraduate studies. As Ayana wavers, Aunt Lil returns to Philadelphia. She has a personal reason for this visit, and a Knowing of her own that leads to her reconciliation with the family. As Nona builds the story of the Mace women, she also makes some choices—but it’s difficult to understand what links her actions with those of her characters. Is the titular spirit affecting her? Is she also related to the Mace family? It isn’t clear, and even a tiny glimmer of her ties to them might have held the book together the way Luda’s cherished pearl secures Lil’s long\u002Dabandoned ceremonial gown."

Book Details

Publisher:As a young woman in the
Published:1970-01-01
Pages:288
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9780063395

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This compelling coming-of-age novel explores the complex bonds of family through the eyes of a teenager navigating cultural identity and generational expectations. The story delves into the spiritual...

Our Review

This compelling coming-of-age novel explores the complex bonds of family through the eyes of a teenager navigating cultural identity and generational expectations. The story delves into the spiritual connections that tie families together across time and distance, offering a thoughtful examination of heritage and belonging. Young readers will find themselves immersed in a narrative that thoughtfully balances family dynamics with personal growth.

What sets this book apart is its authentic portrayal of intergenerational relationships and the quiet strength found in family traditions. Teen readers wrestling with their own identity questions will connect deeply with the protagonist's journey toward self-discovery. The emotional resonance of this story about family connections and cultural spirit will linger with readers long after the final page.

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