Family Lore

by Elizabeth Acevedo
Family Lore cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Magical Realism
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 2577
  • Added: 2025-10-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781805300502
  • Publisher: Canongate Books
  • Published: 2023-08-10
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Flor, a woman with the extraordinary ability to predict the exact day of someone's death, decides to host her own living wake, unraveling a web of secrets within her family. Her sisters are concerned, not just about her prediction, but also about their own hidden truths. As the Marte family prepares for the celebration, the story intertwines the lives of five women—sisters, cousins, mothers, daughters, aunts, and nieces—each grappling with their own struggles and triumphs. The younger generation, cousins Ona and Yadi, face their own tumultuous challenges, adding layers to the family's complex dynamics. Through their stories, 'Family Lore' delves into the ultimate question: what does it take to live a good life, both for oneself and for those we love? The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of family bonds, all while maintaining a delicate balance between magical elements and deeply human emotions.

Reviews
Sharee Hereford · 2023-12-08
celebratory 4.50

The reviewer praises the full-bodied and resilient characters, highlighting their charisma and the sense of 'magic' in their stories. The book is celebrated for its exploration of family and cultural identity.

The reviewer at Sharee Hereford celebrates the women of the Marte family for their fierce and flawed nature, noting their charisma, resilience, and a sense of 'magic' that permeates their stories. The book is praised for its deep exploration of family dynamics and cultural identity, making it a rich and engaging read. The reviewer appreciates the way Acevedo brings these characters to life, making their stories both relatable and compelling. The sense of heritage and the intricate relationships between the characters are particularly highlighted as standout features.

Quick quotes

    The women of the Marte family are full-bodied—fierce and flawed, with notes of charisma, resilience, rebellion, and most of all 'magic'.

    Acevedo's exploration of family dynamics and cultural identity is both rich and engaging.

    The sense of heritage and the intricate relationships between the characters are particularly highlighted as standout features.

The Guardian · 2023-08-06
compelling 4.00

The review highlights the book's compelling exploration of heritage and the intricate dynamics between generations. The lyrical writing is praised for its energy and emotional depth.

The reviewer at The Guardian finds 'Family Lore' to be a powerful testament to the enduring power of heritage and the complex relationships between generations. The book's lyrical prose and emotional depth are particularly noted, making it a compelling read. The reviewer appreciates how Acevedo weaves together the stories of the Marte family, highlighting their struggles and triumphs. The energy and lyricism of the writing are singled out as standout features, making the book a memorable exploration of family and identity.

Quick quotes

    Elizabeth Acevedo's 'Family Lore' is a compelling testament to the enduring power of heritage and the intricate dance between generations.

    With its lyrical prose and emotional depth, 'Family Lore' is a powerful exploration of family dynamics.

    Acevedo's writing is filled with energy and a deep sense of cultural heritage.

Righter of Words · 2023-07-29
mixed 3.00

The reviewer acknowledges Acevedo's lyrical and powerful writing but finds the book a struggle overall. The characters and their stories are noted for their depth and complexity.

The reviewer at Righter of Words acknowledges that 'Family Lore' is a struggle for them, despite Acevedo's lyrical and powerful writing. The characters are deeply flawed and complex, which adds to the richness of the story. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the characters and the intricate storytelling, even if the overall experience was challenging. The book's exploration of family dynamics and cultural heritage is noted as particularly strong, making it a worthwhile read despite its difficulties.

Quick quotes

    In the end, Family Lore was a struggle for me.

    Acevedo's writing is, as ever, lyrical and powerful and generally just gorgeous.

    Her character's stories are deeply flawed and complex, adding to the richness of the narrative.

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