Family Lore

Description

Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo is a richly woven, multi-generational saga centered on the Marte family—four Dominican-American women in New York—who gather for a “living wake” being held by matriarch Flor Marte, who possesses the eerie gift of predicting death . Over the course of three days, the novel moves through shifting perspectives—flashing between sisters Matilde, Pastora, Camila, Flor, along with daughter Ona and niece Yadi—unspooling long-hidden secrets involving miscarriage, infidelity, infertility, incarceration, and unspoken resentments.

Acevedo’s background in spoken-word infuses the prose with energy, lyricism, and intimacy. The voices alternate seamlessly between English and Spanish, capturing the cultural duality of immigrant families. With touches of magical realism—some women can detect lies, dance with supernatural grace, or wield intuitive gifts—the novel feels both grounded and enchanted, celebrating resilience, sisterhood, and the weight of memory