The Seven Daughters of Dupree

by Nikesha Elise Williams

A Simon & Schuster eBook. Simon & Schuster has a great book for every reader.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Family, African American

Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 29, 2026

About the author

Nikesha Elise Williams is a two-time Emmy award winning news producer and author. She was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and attended The Florida State University where she graduated with a B.S. in Communication: Mass Media Studies and Honors English Creative Writing. Nikesha’s debut novel, Four Women, was awarded the 2018 Florida Authors and Publishers Association President’s Award in the category of Adult Contemporary/Literary Fiction. Four Women, was also recognized by the National Association of Black Journalists as an Outstanding Literary Work. Nikesha is a full time writer and writing coach and has freelanced for several publications including ESSENCE, VOX, Very Smart Brothas, and Shadow and Act. Nikesha lives in Jacksonville, Florida, but you can always find her online at contact@newwrites.com, Facebook.com/NikeshaElise or @Nikesha_Elise on Twitter and Instagram.

Reviews

[Ladiami · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Seven Daughters of Dupree was an emotional and powerful journey through generations of women bound by secrets, resilience, and an unshakable legacy. From the very beginning, I was drawn into Tati’s search for truth and identity—it felt so personal and raw. As each layer of the Dupree family history was revealed, I found myself moved by the pain, love, and sacrifice woven into their stories.

I’ll be honest—at first, the timeline shifts and introduction of so many characters left me a little disoriented. But once I settled into the rhythm, it became easier to follow and incredibly rewarding. Every chapter added depth and clarity, making the full picture come together in a really impactful way.

Each woman had her faults—there were definitely moments where I didn’t like their choices—but seeing things from their point of view made me understand them. I couldn’t help but feel compassion for what they endured and the strength it took to survive.

This book is a celebration of the strength of Black women, of legacy, of pain and perseverance passed down like an heirloom.

Thanks Netgalley and Gallery Books | Gallery/Scout Press for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.

[Ja’Laya Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book was such a moving and layered read. Spanning generations of Dupree women from 1917 to 1995, the story unravels family secrets, heartbreak, resilience, and the deep, unbreakable bonds of womanhood.

What stood out most to me was the way each generation’s story built upon the last — from Jubi’s attempt to pass as white, to Ruby’s fiery passion, to Nadia’s haunting choices, and finally to Tati’s search for truth. Each woman’s voice felt distinct yet tied together by the legacy they carried. The theme of generational trauma and resilience was written so vividly, it made me pause and reflect on the strength that’s often passed down through women — even when it comes with pain.

Tropes / Themes I loved:
🌙 Generational Saga
🌙 Family Secrets
🌙 Coming-of-Age
🌙 Legacy & Inheritance
🌙 Resilience of Black Women

What I Learned:
This story reminded me that silence can weigh just as heavily as words — secrets don’t disappear, they echo through generations until someone has the courage to face them. It also highlighted the power of resilience, how love and survival often coexist in complicated ways, and how confronting the past is often the only way to change the future.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A beautiful, emotional, and unforgettable novel that will stay with me long after the last page.

Huge thanks to netgalley, and Nikesha Elise Williams for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Seven Daughters of Dupree by Nikesha Elise Williams is a beautifully written historical/literary fiction novel set in Land’s End, Alabama. It is a tale of several generations of women who are “cursed” to birth only girls. Never having known her father, Tati, is on a mission to discover who he is and to unravel secrets held tightly by the women in her family. Williams takes the reader into the past to discover the stories of seven generations of strong African American women ….their pain, trauma, struggles, love, and family bonds. I really enjoyed this novel, with one caveat; at times I felt distracted by the time jumps and multiple POVs. So, if you are a reader who struggles with a nonlinear plot, this may take a bit longer for you to read. Nonetheless, it is well worth the extra time it may take to finish. Thanks to NetGalley and Simmon & Schuster for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. The opinions given are honest and my own.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Seven Daughters of Dupree is a sweeping, exquisitely layered novel that traces seven generations of Black women whose lives are shaped by secrets, silence, and a lineage marked by both burden and ancestral brilliance. Williams moves fluidly across time from 1917 to the mid-1990s and yet the storytelling never feels fragmented. Each woman’s story is clear, distinct, and emotionally grounded in her personality, building a powerful chorus that illustrates how the past continues to shape the present.

I’m someone who often loses interest when a novel shifts frequently between eras and perspectives, especially when many characters are involved. But Williams handles each transition with such precision and care that the Dupree women feel not only interconnected but essential to one another’s stories. Even when she focuses on a single character, the echoes of the others choices, their losses, their loves—vibrate underneath every layer.

I loved how rich and deeply human these women are written: their inner dialogues, their fears, their desires, their inherited wounds, and their hard-won wisdom. Williams offers readers a nuanced reflection on the enduring impact of slavery, the weight of generational trauma, and the ancestral knowledge that both haunts and sustains Black families—especially Black women.


I didn’t want this novel to end. It is one of the most compelling explorations of matriarchal lineage I’ve ever read, and it left me thinking about my own family’s stories and the ways history continues to move through us. For readers exploring ancestry, healing generational wounds, or simply craving a richly told, character-driven narrative, The Seven Daughters of Dupree is an unforgettable novel that honors the power of the women who came before us and the ones still finding their way home.

TW: Sexual Assault; Abuse; Slavery

[Paige Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to my local bookstore for providing this ARC.

The Seven Daughters of Dupree is a powerful, multi-generational story that traces the legacy of one family line of women across more than a century—women who carry love, loss, violence, resilience, and inherited memory in their blood.

The story moves between timelines and perspectives—mothers, daughters, grandmothers—and it asks the reader to sit with the complexity of lineage: how secrets echo, how grief shapes identity, and how love is passed down even when stories are not.

In the beginning, I wasn’t sure where the narrative was leading, but once the threads began to intertwine, everything clicked into place in a way that felt intentional and beautifully crafted. The pacing deepens as the story progresses, and the emotional payoff when the generational lines converge is incredibly moving.

The characters are vivid—especially Mimi, whose sharp honesty hides her own history of pain, and Tati, whose longing for truth forms the emotional core of the book. Emma and Jubilee’s storyline was heartbreaking and unforgettable. Their histories are not softened or made palatable; they are told with truth.

Some moments are difficult to read because of the realities these women faced, but they are written with care and purpose. The book honors both ancestral trauma and ancestral strength, showing how history lives in the bodies, choices, and silences of those who come after.

A deeply layered novel about legacy, womanhood, and the quiet, powerful ways we find our way home.

[Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book really took me on a journey! There were some tough scenes, but they all fit perfectly into the story. The Dupree women were incredibly strong and had to face so much pain. The history of their family was absolutely breathtaking to read and experience. It’s a book about legacy from 1860-2024. It starts with Tati, the only child who feels lost and wants answers about how she became. There are many secrets in the Dupree family.Nadia was my absolute favorite, even though she was a bit naive, but she handled everything with grace. Roman, well, let’s just say I wasn’t a fan. Jubi wasn’t my cup of tea either, but her struggles were understandable.

The writing was so beautiful, and I even enjoyed the music references because they brought back so many memories. If you’re into women-led stories, legacy,and family drama with history, I definitely recommend this book! This book will stay with me for awhile

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Mic C · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m very conflicted about this book. I enjoyed parts but I didn’t enjoy other parts A LOT. The opening chapter didn’t draw my attention at all partially because I enjoy historical fiction and while the setting was the 90s my brain just doesn't equate that to historical yet so it lost my interest. I did read the first chapter and was going to stop reading the book after thinking oh this one isnt for me, but I said let me keep going.

That being said when it got to all the older years, I did read all of those and skipped the 80s & 90s. I think this only would have not made me finish, but I’m sure there might be a few things that I missed. Im still not sure who Nadia’s father is for example. I just did not enjoy the modern people.

The other stories were very interesting, but I was really annoyed by the secret surrounding Emma‘s mother. I might not have even continued reading had it not been for me waiting to see if it was ever going to be revealed. I would have skipped ahead had known, it would be the last few pages of the book outside the epilogue and then gone back. The story was very brutal so I get it, but the fact that it was so secretive to the reader, with maybe 1 or 2 hints prior was just bothering me as I was reading.

I also admit that I just don’t understand the curse. Why would she curse her own family when they didn’t do anything? I don’t even understand it from a perspective of doing something to “taint Zephaniah‘s bloodline". I just don’t get it and I also don’t get why the curse was broken suddenly but maybe this was explained in the modern chapters I missed. I did look through these peoples names and skim through and still didn’t see anything that would give me any indication. Even with me only reading the parts pre-80s.

This book was full of too much confusion for me, even down to the language and style written. I found myself rereading sentences multiple times. Just trying to figure out what exactly the author was trying to say.

Finally a few sticklers. It made no sense to me how or why Jubi thought she could pass just across the tracks. In all my historical fiction and non fictions readings and tv watching has someone EVER tried to pass and stayed in the same place. The explanation the book even gave made no sense bc just bc they were new white folks in town dosent mean there were no white people before them. They never talked to any old white residents? The other was about Sarah(?) <- written as the author did in the book. That escape was one night or so it seemed. Maybe I misread but there is no way they went 228 miles in one night. Impossible. This one really irked me. Thanks to netgalley for early read

[fairyglowmother · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb storytelling that explores family via matrilineal lineage, generational trauma, girlhood, community via hair care, love and loss. Nikesha Elise Williams beautifully tells us the tale of the Dupree women from the very start of their existence that began on a slave ship through today. However, the story is non-linear and the way Williams has chosen to draw parallels across these timelines is nothing short of masterful. It's unique and the unraveling is worth the time jumps.

I'm not sure I've ever read a book that explored these themes as cleverly as Williams does in this book. While it is true that civilization recognizes the importance of motherhood, not every civilization values (and respects) mothers in the way they should. One thing I appreciated about this book is just how much so the author centers mothers, especially in relation to both being the foundation of family and the driving force uphold a lineage. The men in this story, and their influence, take a bit of a background role. This is not to say that they aren't significant—I think the men and their role in contributing to the generational trauma the women experience—are pivotal to understanding the story as a whole. But the book isn't about them, despite men traditionally carrying the last names of families. I also was really inspired by the way Williams showcased generational trauma that lends itself more to empathy and understanding rather than pity.

Through our main character, Tati, we get a glimpse into Black girlhood in the mid nineties and early aughts. And Tati's story is one that might resonate with many who were coming of age at the same time. An element of Black girlhood that is expertly weaved across generations in this book? Our hair, our crowns. There is some powerful foreshadowing within the very first sentence of this book surrounding this (but I obviously don't want to spoil it for you). And while this next part is a bit of a spoiler, I must call out how brilliant the author is for making this literary choice: Sarah(?).

This was an absolutely amazing book that you definitely should add to your library.

Nikesha Elise Williams, I don't know what you have planned for the future but I think you are about to be a literary star!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC!

[Helen Haythornthwaite · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible story this was! It’s raw and it’s harrowing in places, but it’s an absolutely brilliant piece of literary/historical fiction.

It’s a family saga incorporating seven generations of Dupree women; beginning in 1860 and spanning over 100 years until the present day. It’s a story of seven strong women who fought for their rights in the face of adversity, and under a curse they thought threatened their existence.

The narrative begins in 1995 as we meet Tati, the youngest of the women, together with her mother, Nadia, and her grandmother, Gladys. It’s a hot-headed household, as Tati searches for answers about her father which her mother cannot bear to give her.

Each chapter is a trip back and forth in time as we meet Emma in 1870, Jubilee in 1917 and Ruby in 1934 - piecing together this family’s history and the anguish they have faced, at the hands of men and white folk, along the way.

The story is set in Alabama, in the fictional town of Lands End, where Emma was born enslaved, the daughter of the plantation owner. It is her search for her mother’s story which leads to the story of the curse over the family, only allowing them to bear daughters.

The story is also set in Chicago where we find the most recent women living, and where Tati writes some very poignant, beautiful poetry - of which a few pieces are included in the book. On reading Tati’s final dedication at the end of the book, my tears poured and my heart broke for the seventh, and very first, ‘daughter’ of Dupree who was the bravest of them all.

[Genevieve Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Seven Daughters of Dupree” by Nikesha Elise Williams is a sweeping generational novel, impressive in both its depth and scope. The story and themes of the book are driven by well-developed female characters, whose lives span a period from the late eighteen hundreds through the present. It is a story of intergenerational trauma, of pain and separation, and of the deep connectivity and love that bring women together. There is pain and betrayal, confusion and heartbreak. There are harsh realities and events that cannot be overcome. There is also deep love and acts of kindness and grace. There is honesty, presence, and healing. The stories and lives of these women demonstrate the tenacity of the human spirit and the powerful bonds between mothers and daughters. A beautiful book, “The Seven Daughters of Dupree” weaves together the lives of the Dupree women using language and metaphor that resonates with who they are. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys complex and honest novels told with depth and honesty.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for access to the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Kasmira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This is a generational novel done RIGHT 👏. I was so enthralled in all the characters stories. The timeline and plot was captivating. Each generation shown through actions that poised different yet similar ways of thinking. I ending is exactly what I hoped for in this story. I can definitely see this as a TV show.

This is a love letter to all daughters that reign from family built on the backs of the women. It’s a beautiful tribute to heritage, legacy and reminder that not all family secrets are intentional (it could just be inherited). It’s an eye-opener for daughters who just never understand what their mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers seem too judgmental or cautious.

I read this story in a weekend. However, I recommend others to take breaks through the story and reflect as you go, especially with the timeline jumps. This is a perfect read for family discussions.

Thanks Netgalley and Gallery Books | Gallery/Scout Press for the ARC and opportunity to provide an honest review.

[Farah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Legend says that only girls will be born into the Dupree family. What it is less clear about is the legacy of secrets, intergenerational trauma, and passionate love stories that lay lost in the sands of time.

Teenage Tati is discovering just how hard it is to shed light on her own and her family's origin story, when her mother and grandmother are less than forthcoming in their responses to her questions. But perhaps that is because they believe that somethings are better left unexplored...

A deftly woven saga that interrogates the lives of multiple generations of black women in one family, this book is absorbing as well as informative, providing a glimpse of lives less often examined. It gets 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[afra · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was such a beautiful book!! The writing is professional and polished, making it incredibly easy to follow, and the narrative voice is engaging and captivating throughout. The story drew me in from the very first page, and I couldn’t put it down. The cover is absolutely stunning—eye-catching, elegant, and perfectly representative of the story inside. Combined with the title, which is equally compelling and memorable, it immediately made me want to pick it up. I was so impressed that I shared it with my book club friends and also featured it on my Bookstagram account, where it received lots of attention. Everything about this book, from the visuals to the writing, is just top-notch.

This is an ARC review. I appreciate receiving this physical copy from publisher and the author in return for an honest review.

[Destiny Chappel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's 1995 and fourteen-year-old Tati is determined to uncover the identity of her father. But her mother, Nadia, keeps her secrets close, while her grandmother Gladys remains silent about the family’s past, including why she left Land’s End, Alabama, in 1953. As Tati digs deeper, she uncovers a legacy of family secrets, where every generation of Dupree women has posed more questions than answers.

This novel follows seven generations of Black women dating back to the 1800s. There is generational trauma, secrets, love woven into the story. I enjoyed the timelines and getting to know all the characters.

[Randall Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book begins with the introduction of 14 year old Tati, who is desperate to know who her father is, information that neither her mother nor grandmother will share. Tati is the sixth generation of women who are descendants of plantation owner Zephaniah Foster Dupree and one of his female slaves. As the story moves backward and forward through time, Williams weaves a compelling portrait of the complex, occasionally happy, mostly challenging, sometimes horrifying lives of these strong, determined mothers and daughters as their secrets are gradually revealed and we understand how their circumstances drive their decisions, relationships and who they become.

[CT · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book. Williams creates such rich, layered characters that I found myself completely drawn into each generation’s joys and wounds. The writing is lush without being heavy, the pacing stays steady even as the story spans decades, and the emotional beats hit hard.

What I loved most was how each woman’s life felt like both its own story and a thread in something bigger. It’s one of those family sagas where you feel the weight of history pressing forward while still rooting for every daughter along the way. This is a powerful, beautifully crafted novel, and I’m so glad I got the chance to read it early.

[Eloise H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good novel showcasing seven generations of African and African American women dating back to the 1800s. I felt their harrowing tragedies, heartache, injustice, love and faith. The phonetic writing added to the immersion and authenticity of the novel. Thank you NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for giving me the opportunity to read this novel.

[Danielle Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I wasn’t sure where the book was going, I had to reread the beginning a few because I was so confused. When the pieces started falling together, not only did I enjoy the book but I learned so much about historical black culture, specifically different terminology. Tati irked me a bit with her obsession with her dad but I guess I just wouldn’t understand. Overall good book, creative set up and I like that there was resolution in the end.

[Susan]

lovely. thanks

[Emaleigh Nichelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be back later with my thoughts.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book! Loved reading it, couldn't put it down!

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is beautifully written. It follows a structure where we jump around though time to hear the different lives of multiple generations of women in one family, which has been done many times but feels fresh here.

Music is woven into each of their lives which helps bring each time and place alive. It also evokes the feeling that these women aren’t telling distinct stories but almost each singing their own part which harmonises together to make a much richer song for this family but also the changes that American has gone though over the last century or so.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the arc

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Seven Daughters of Dupree was a journey through generations of African American women bound by secrets, resilience, and legacy.
At first, I was confused with the varying POV’s and timelines. I reread the beginning and got on track quickly.
As a historical fiction lover, I enjoyed the story line taking us from the 1800’s slavery to present day. I found myself wrapped in the story rooting for these women who bore hardship at the hands of others. Choices made and lives lived are deeply moving.
I am happy that there was resolution at the end.

Triggers: rape, miscarriage, severe brutality on slaves

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Seven Daughter’s of Dupree is a story set in Alabama and Chicago that takes us from the preCivil War era to 1995. This multigenerational saga follows the story of 7 generations of women through multiple POVs and timelines.
Misogyny and racism are the constant themes that reoccur from generation to generation. As a result the women stand together and have gained strength from adversity. Each generation holds its own secrets that are slowly revealed throughout the novel.
Although a strong novel the nonlinear timeline made it difficult to follow at times. I found the story primarily centered around Tati, in 1995, and her mother Nadia, as Tati searched for her father. The story reached back to Nadia’s mother Gladys, who left Alabama for Chicago in the Great Migration, and Glady’s mother Ruby, whose father disowned her. The story gets murkier as it goes forward and back with more women and stories. I believe William’s would have had a better story if she had paired it down and fully explored just a few of these amazing women.
Their familial love is strong and is passed from generation to generation. Seven Daughters tackles generational trauma but I wish it validated the individuals more. I found the first half of the book confusing due to the multiple POVs. That being said I admired the families strong bond.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book. These opinions are my own.