Grown Women

A Novel

By: Sarai Johnson

Narrated by: Karen Chilton

A New Yorker Best Book of the Year · NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding Debut Literary Work

“This is a tender, deeply perceptive tale of what kin owes kin, and how we might work to mend old wounds together.”—Elle

In this stunning debut novel, four generations of complex Black women contend with motherhood and daughterhood, generational trauma and the deeply ingrained tensions and wounds that divide them as they redefine happiness and healing for themselves.

Erudite Evelyn, her cynical daughter Charlotte, and Charlotte’s optimistic daughter Corinna see the world very differently. Though they love each other deeply, it’s no wonder that their personalities often clash. But their conflicts go deeper than run-of-the-mill disagreements. Here, there is deep, dark resentment for past and present hurt.

When Corinna gives birth to her own daughter, Camille, the beautiful, intelligent little girl offers this trio of mothers something they all need: hope, joy, and an opportunity to reconcile. They decide to work together to raise their collective daughter with the tenderness and empathy they missed in their own relationships. Yet despite their best intentions, they cannot agree on what that means.

After Camille eventually leaves her mother and grandmother in rural Tennessee for a more cosmopolitan life in Washington, DC with her great-grandmother, it’s unclear whether this complex and self-contained girl will thrive or be overwhelmed by the fears and dreams of three generations she carries. As she grows into a gutsy young woman, Camille must decide for herself what happiness will look like.

In masterful, elegant prose, debut novelist Sarai Johnson has created a rich and moving portrait of Black women’s lives today.

A beautiful story of empowerment,forgives, and generational pain

I love the linear and through threads of this generational story. The culture, the esteem, the realness reflected is spot on?

Great Narration

The actors did an excellent job with a narration! It was a good story: the flashback could be a bit confusing, The retelling got a bit confusing.
The author did a great job of showing how generational trauma can affect the family as a whole.

Love the Story!

I would certainly recommend this book. The story was great! My only comment is that although this story examines four generations of black women, there was never a positive example of a black man. Although we did find out that Charlotte's father James was an excellent father and husband, he dies before we have the opportunity to examine how he did or could have impacted the lives of the ladies. I'm all about inclusivity but, hate the portrayal of black men sometimes. Even Johnny had a father at home but, apparently, he wasn't influenced by him which I guess is why he made the decision to keep Camille a secret. (And his shady mom endorsed the decision) I hate to point this out but, because the story was so good. It stood out to me as a black woman who is always interested in a story the provokes thought and reflects what we sometimes go through.

Good read

This book is enjoyable and relatable in many ways. It often made me think about my mother and grandmother's choices that have influenced my decisions. I truly appreciated this book.

This is a FIVE STAR MUST READ all the way

I'm sad that I can only give this book five stars! It was phenomenal. I am actually considering re-reading it immediately because I feel like there is much more to be gleaned from its pages. There is so much that resonates with me about the specific nuances of Southern poverty and generational trauma. You have to read this! Sarai Johnson is masterful!!!