Grown Women

A Novel

By: Sarai Johnson

Narrated by: Karen Chilton

A New Yorker Best Book of the Year

“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.

©2023 Sarai Johnson (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

Great work, Well worth it!

Absolutely amazing book! I really appreciate this book and hope that many more people will read it. I think its a very important topic. I often speak with my wife about the topic of generational trauma. It's nice to have such a good book be on this subject. Everyone has issues they deal with that influence their decisions and they way the lead their lives. It's important to be able to recognize and reflect on it.

Thank you Sarai for this amazing work.

Depth & layered mother wounds.

First time leaving a review loved this book & the depth & layers to the characters. We are all connected through our mother’s womb.

IMPACTFUL

I have read books about generational trauma and how it’s passed down. But this book gave actually real life perspective between 4 women. So so beautiful and well written. IMPACTFUL.

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.

What a read !!!!!

Beautiful! Such a beautiful read the connection of the 4 to 5 generation touch my heart deeply makes me wanna go back through and reread it makes me wanna call. My mother makes me want to be a better mother. I don’t even have kids. Oh good, excited to see what else this offer brings us.

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!!!

Camille and her happily ever after

I didn't like how they went backwards and forward with the story line about the ladies

Honesty

Great read . Raw , real and uncut . Great picture of how things follow generations . 5 stars

A must read!

Grown women is one of the best books I’ve read. This book hits your soul as it highlights generational trauma shared by four women. I really appreciated how each woman’s perspective is shared to make you understand the characters and their actions. I forward to reading more books by Sarai Johnson.