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The Seven Daughters of Dupree: A Novel
From the two-time Emmy Award–winning producer and host of the Black and Published podcast comes a sweeping multi-generational epic following seven generations of Dupree women as they navigate love, loss, and the unyielding ties of family in the tradition of Homegoing and The Love Songs of W.E.B. DuBois.
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.
From Jubi in 1917, whose attempt to pass for white ends when she gives birth to Ruby; to Ruby’s fiery lust for Sampson in 1934 that leads to a baby of her own; to the night in 1980 that changed Nadia’s future forever, the Dupree women carry the weight of their heritage. Bound by a mysterious malediction that means they will only give birth to daughters, the Dupree women confront a legacy of pain, resilience, and survival that began with an enslaved ancestor who risked everything for freedom.
The Seven Daughters of Dupree masterfully weaves together themes of generational trauma, Black women’s resilience, and unbreakable familial bonds. Echoing the literary power of The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis, Nikesha Elise Williams delivers a feminist literary fiction that explores the ripple effects of actions, secrets, and love through seven generations of Black women.
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.
From Jubi in 1917, whose attempt to pass for white ends when she gives birth to Ruby; to Ruby’s fiery lust for Sampson in 1934 that leads to a baby of her own; to the night in 1980 that changed Nadia’s future forever, the Dupree women carry the weight of their heritage. Bound by a mysterious malediction that means they will only give birth to daughters, the Dupree women confront a legacy of pain, resilience, and survival that began with an enslaved ancestor who risked everything for freedom.
The Seven Daughters of Dupree masterfully weaves together themes of generational trauma, Black women’s resilience, and unbreakable familial bonds. Echoing the literary power of The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis, Nikesha Elise Williams delivers a feminist literary fiction that explores the ripple effects of actions, secrets, and love through seven generations of Black women.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2026
426 people are currently reading
71660 people want to read
About the author
Nikesha Elise Williams
9 books231 followersNikesha Elise Williams is a two-time Emmy award winning producer, an award-winning author, and producer and host of the Black and Published podcast. A narrative strategist by day and journalist always, her writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Bitter Southerner, Essence, and Vox. Nikesha’s work has been supported by the Kimbilio Fiction Fellowship, the DeGroot Foundation, and the Tin House Summer Workshop. A Chicago native, she lives in Florida with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
when a synopsis contains comparisons to my favorite books it's like okay! you got me!
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)
(thanks to the publisher for the e-arc)
July 30, 2025
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.
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.
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January 7, 2026
Book Riot’s Most Anticipated Books of 2026:
I first heard of this book directly from Williams at a writing conference. The Emmy Award-winning producer and podcast host told me the first line, and I was hooked. The Dupree women only give birth to daughters, but that's not the only mysterious thing about them. In 1995, 14-year-old Tati goes down a rabbit hole trying to find out who her father is, but just uncovers more secrets and questions. Like, why did her grandmother Gladys leave Land's End, Alabama in '53, and what happened to Jubi when she tried to pass for white in 1917? At the beginning of it all is the story of one enslaved ancestor who paid the ultimate price for freedom. —Erica Ezeifedi
I first heard of this book directly from Williams at a writing conference. The Emmy Award-winning producer and podcast host told me the first line, and I was hooked. The Dupree women only give birth to daughters, but that's not the only mysterious thing about them. In 1995, 14-year-old Tati goes down a rabbit hole trying to find out who her father is, but just uncovers more secrets and questions. Like, why did her grandmother Gladys leave Land's End, Alabama in '53, and what happened to Jubi when she tried to pass for white in 1917? At the beginning of it all is the story of one enslaved ancestor who paid the ultimate price for freedom. —Erica Ezeifedi
January 7, 2026
First hisfic of 2026 and I’m completely blown away!!! The Seven Daughters of Dupree by the lovely Nikesha Williams was everything I hoped for. The whole book felt so honest and raw. It was a perfect matriarchal family centered historical fiction with multi povs told across different time periods and focused on the lives of women I grew to love and adore.
I truly loved all the Dupree women. Seeing each of them go through their own journey through life and come out on the other side was so powerful, inspiring, unforgettable and emotive. I cried so much through out each woman’s chapters. They all went through too much hardship and pain that just didn’t let up. Trouble literally always found their family. And that is not an understatement! 😭🥲 But by the end, everything does come together, and you’re left with this deep sense of peace and rightness which is all you can hope for with a book like this fr.
Lastly I really loved the writing style and pacing of this book. The multi povs were so engaging and kept me coming back for more. Nikisha really made me just want to unlock all the secrets of these Dupree women asapppppp. I seriously can’t wait to read more from her in the future 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
I truly loved all the Dupree women. Seeing each of them go through their own journey through life and come out on the other side was so powerful, inspiring, unforgettable and emotive. I cried so much through out each woman’s chapters. They all went through too much hardship and pain that just didn’t let up. Trouble literally always found their family. And that is not an understatement! 😭🥲 But by the end, everything does come together, and you’re left with this deep sense of peace and rightness which is all you can hope for with a book like this fr.
Lastly I really loved the writing style and pacing of this book. The multi povs were so engaging and kept me coming back for more. Nikisha really made me just want to unlock all the secrets of these Dupree women asapppppp. I seriously can’t wait to read more from her in the future 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
January 17, 2026
Beautifully done. I love a generational saga and this was that! If you are looking for a story that has a great pay off at the end! Baby I cried! This one won’t leave you.
February 2, 2026
📚Historical fiction review 📚
The pictures don’t do it justice on just how beautiful this book really is. I could stare at it all day!
This is a sweeping multigenerational epic following seven generations of Dupree women as they navigate love, loss, and the unyielding ties of family.
It’s 1995 and Tati begins to look for who her father was. Her mother won’t say. As she goes down a rabbit hole of family secrets, she will find just how much the Dupree women have endured.
Themes of generational trauma are at the forefront here and I must tell you, there is a scene towards the end that ripped me open. Gutted me 😭. But it’s important because these things are a part of history and must be told.
With the start beginning as a slow burn, I found myself settling into the rhythm of the story. These characters are raw and real and I loved them so much.
If you are looking for a historical fiction novel for the month of February, I implore you to read The Seven Daughters of Dupree! I loved it!
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The pictures don’t do it justice on just how beautiful this book really is. I could stare at it all day!
This is a sweeping multigenerational epic following seven generations of Dupree women as they navigate love, loss, and the unyielding ties of family.
It’s 1995 and Tati begins to look for who her father was. Her mother won’t say. As she goes down a rabbit hole of family secrets, she will find just how much the Dupree women have endured.
Themes of generational trauma are at the forefront here and I must tell you, there is a scene towards the end that ripped me open. Gutted me 😭. But it’s important because these things are a part of history and must be told.
With the start beginning as a slow burn, I found myself settling into the rhythm of the story. These characters are raw and real and I loved them so much.
If you are looking for a historical fiction novel for the month of February, I implore you to read The Seven Daughters of Dupree! I loved it!
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 3, 2026
A moving multigenerational story about one family of African American women through the ages and the ways generational trauma is passed down from mother to daughter over the years.
Told from alternating timelines and points of view, this one was a bit challenging to keep track of on audio but the characters were all strong women dealing with the blows life gave them trying their best for their children and themselves.
The narration by Bahni Turpin was top notch and the book is perfect for fans of authors like Dolen Perkins-Valdez, Sadeqa Johnson and Terah Shelton Harris. Many thanks to @simon.audio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
⚠️CW: rape, unexpected pregnancy, miscarriage, PTSD, infidelity
Told from alternating timelines and points of view, this one was a bit challenging to keep track of on audio but the characters were all strong women dealing with the blows life gave them trying their best for their children and themselves.
The narration by Bahni Turpin was top notch and the book is perfect for fans of authors like Dolen Perkins-Valdez, Sadeqa Johnson and Terah Shelton Harris. Many thanks to @simon.audio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
⚠️CW: rape, unexpected pregnancy, miscarriage, PTSD, infidelity
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January 7, 2026It might only be January but this might be my favorite book cover of the year! Shout out to the cover artist!
Unfortunately that’s where my praise ends😩 When I got 20% through this book I had the DNF feeling, but since I received an ARC of this from the publisher, I wanted to keep pushing through. At 40% I knew I had to stop. DNF at 40%.
This was one of my most anticipated books of the year. Like I said, the cover instantly got me and I love multigenerational stories of women through history.
I really struggled with the writing style in this book. Multiple times I had to reread sentences just to figure out what was happening in a certain scene. I ended chapter 3 truly not having a clue of what I just read. I’m not by any means saying this is poor writing, it just didn’t work for me.
There is also some kind of “curse” “discernment” “clairvoyance” alluded to and this is a subject matter that I intentionally do not want to read about. Purely a personal preference.
This book held so much promise and I’m so sad that it didn’t work for me, but hopefully it can get into the hands of the right readers.
Thank you so very much to the publisher for the gifted ARC!!
Unfortunately that’s where my praise ends😩 When I got 20% through this book I had the DNF feeling, but since I received an ARC of this from the publisher, I wanted to keep pushing through. At 40% I knew I had to stop. DNF at 40%.
This was one of my most anticipated books of the year. Like I said, the cover instantly got me and I love multigenerational stories of women through history.
I really struggled with the writing style in this book. Multiple times I had to reread sentences just to figure out what was happening in a certain scene. I ended chapter 3 truly not having a clue of what I just read. I’m not by any means saying this is poor writing, it just didn’t work for me.
There is also some kind of “curse” “discernment” “clairvoyance” alluded to and this is a subject matter that I intentionally do not want to read about. Purely a personal preference.
This book held so much promise and I’m so sad that it didn’t work for me, but hopefully it can get into the hands of the right readers.
Thank you so very much to the publisher for the gifted ARC!!
August 21, 2025
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.
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.
January 25, 2026
I’m calling it now- this will be a top read of the year for me! Yes I know. It’s only January but the storytelling, the way this author tied everything together, and made the ending come full circle was brilliant. The seven daughters of Dupree follow seven generations of women from the Dupree bloodline. The interesting piece about their bloodline Is in this family the women are not able to bear sons. Admittedly this book is a little bit heavy because there is a lot of loss experienced in this book. Grief, loss not only from lives lost, love lost, freedoms lost, but also from a life that you thought you would have. I found the mothers in this book to be cold and harsh, but as you read further, you see that they all had to overcome a battle within their life that hardened them to life in general. I think these women, though harsh, their intentions were to protect their daughters and stop them from the same fate that they had. I truly believe each mother wanted the best for her daughter.
I loved how Hair was a underlying theme in this book. Many enslaved women would braid the path to freedom in their hair and you’ll notice that hair is woven throughout this book. The beauty of hair and the conversation, the camaraderie, and connection that it can bring.
The ending was beautiful and I enjoyed seeing what happened to Tati and Nadia and the way the overall story ended. I truly believe that Tati was her ancestors wildest dreams. I thought this book also highlighted the significance and the importance in the gift of land ownership. The land in Lands Ens stay within their family for generations and it ended up being the gift that kept on giving. I love that it was a central place that each of the Dupree women could come back to in a place that they could always call Home. The seven daughters of Dupree also reminds us how important our family histories are. How important it is to know your history and for generations to continue to pass down those memories and those stories. When one inevitably goes searching for who they are that history will be so helpful at finding yourself and I think we were able to witness that in this book. Family secrets keep one us in mental bondage. I love to see generational curses, being broken with Gladys Tati and Nadia.
If you are looking for a book with beautiful writing, beautiful storytelling, resilience, womanhood, connection, family, history, loss, grief, love then I highly recommend the seven daughters of Dupree. I can’t wait to see more from this author.
January 10, 2026
The Seven Daughters of Dupree immediately drew me in—the title alone reminded me of the movie Roots, The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett & Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite. What followed was a deliberate, multi-generational exploration of seven Black women that left me feeling deeply empowered, no lie. The genuine vulnerability was top tier.
The novel shines in its exploration of fractured relationships between Black mothers & daughters. It demonstrates that when Black mamas try to hide the past from their daughters as a form of protection, it almost never works out that way. Some of our mamas chose not to love us too hard in an effort to shield us from trauma—but the book shows that withholding or sanitizing history can leave wounds unresolved. That restraint wasn’t about a lack of care—it was about survival, yet understanding these choices is the only way we can ever truly move forward.
This story also reinforces something essential: the brutality & trauma we endure must be shared, yes—but so must our resilience & strength. These women carry the weight of generations of oppression, yet their courage, survival, & love shine through. The novel doesn’t just dwell in pain—it honors how we endure, resist, & rise.
Because the story spans so many generations & family members, I found myself wishing for a family tree or pedigree chart. Keeping track of everyone could be challenging at times, & some kind of visual aid would’ve helped me stay oriented. But I suppose that’s the former archival assistant in me. Still, for real, a graphic element would have elevated the reading experience.
My biggest critique is the title—& it’s a structural one. I hate book titles that center women by their position to a man; it’s inherently misogynistic. In this case, naming the book after the white man who enslaved them feels especially off. These women carry the history, the trauma, the legacy, & the survival, yet the framing still asks us to enter their story through him. Incorporating the name without centering it—or better yet, foregrounding the daughters themselves—would have aligned far more with the feminist & matrilineal power of the story.
SN: I really wanted Jubi & Logan to get back together. & I couldn’t stop thinking—what if Ruby was super dark because Logan had Black ancestry in him? That would’ve been a wild & meaningful plot twist, especially considering the novel’s themes around secrecy, race, & inheritance.
By the end, I was undone. The dedication for Tati’s book had me bawling—an intimate, earned moment that beautifully captured the legacy of love, loss, & resilience threaded through every generation.
Despite a few missed opportunities, The Seven Daughters of Dupree is a powerful & necessary contribution to Black literature—one that traces Black history across decades through the lives of women & reminds us why these stories matter most when they’re written by one of us, sharing both the trauma we’ve endured & the strength we carry forward.
*I received an advance review copy for free & am leaving this review voluntarily.*
#ThankGodForARCs
The novel shines in its exploration of fractured relationships between Black mothers & daughters. It demonstrates that when Black mamas try to hide the past from their daughters as a form of protection, it almost never works out that way. Some of our mamas chose not to love us too hard in an effort to shield us from trauma—but the book shows that withholding or sanitizing history can leave wounds unresolved. That restraint wasn’t about a lack of care—it was about survival, yet understanding these choices is the only way we can ever truly move forward.
This story also reinforces something essential: the brutality & trauma we endure must be shared, yes—but so must our resilience & strength. These women carry the weight of generations of oppression, yet their courage, survival, & love shine through. The novel doesn’t just dwell in pain—it honors how we endure, resist, & rise.
Because the story spans so many generations & family members, I found myself wishing for a family tree or pedigree chart. Keeping track of everyone could be challenging at times, & some kind of visual aid would’ve helped me stay oriented. But I suppose that’s the former archival assistant in me. Still, for real, a graphic element would have elevated the reading experience.
My biggest critique is the title—& it’s a structural one. I hate book titles that center women by their position to a man; it’s inherently misogynistic. In this case, naming the book after the white man who enslaved them feels especially off. These women carry the history, the trauma, the legacy, & the survival, yet the framing still asks us to enter their story through him. Incorporating the name without centering it—or better yet, foregrounding the daughters themselves—would have aligned far more with the feminist & matrilineal power of the story.
SN: I really wanted Jubi & Logan to get back together. & I couldn’t stop thinking—what if Ruby was super dark because Logan had Black ancestry in him? That would’ve been a wild & meaningful plot twist, especially considering the novel’s themes around secrecy, race, & inheritance.
By the end, I was undone. The dedication for Tati’s book had me bawling—an intimate, earned moment that beautifully captured the legacy of love, loss, & resilience threaded through every generation.
Despite a few missed opportunities, The Seven Daughters of Dupree is a powerful & necessary contribution to Black literature—one that traces Black history across decades through the lives of women & reminds us why these stories matter most when they’re written by one of us, sharing both the trauma we’ve endured & the strength we carry forward.
*I received an advance review copy for free & am leaving this review voluntarily.*
#ThankGodForARCs
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2026
This was a compelling story of how the hardship and trauma one experiences has an effect on the next generation and how people treat their children. The author made me dislike the characters as mothers but sympathetic towards them as daughters. But Jubi was by far the worst! A touch of hoodoo/magical realism. I loved the setup of the book. The colorism in this book as jarring! Jealousy, lies, curses, genetics and secrets. Some jaw dropping moments.
I’m also confused about the seven daughters. The story focused on six women, unless we’re counting Evalgeline or maybe the newest addition. The book need trigger warnings but you can imagine all the bad things that can happen to black women.
I’m also confused about the seven daughters. The story focused on six women, unless we’re counting Evalgeline or maybe the newest addition. The book need trigger warnings but you can imagine all the bad things that can happen to black women.
January 27, 2026
4.25 ⭐️
The Seven Daughters of Dupree 💐
“Separated from her body, she still wasn’t dead. They didn’t know that while bodies could be kidnapped and used, bought, sold and bruised, seasoned until broken…minds could never be tamed.”
In this historical fiction we follow seven generations of black women as they navigate family, love, loss and an unshakable curse.
What an incredibly crafted story. This book digs deep into racism, pain, resilience, gender inequality and what it means to be a black woman in America. The timeline and plot was very captivating and impactful. Each storyline was unique with emotional depth. The Seven Daughters of Dupree is a powerful story that weaves together multiple stories navigating different time periods in a non-linear fashion. The last story broke me and had me in tears. This book unveiled how generations of decisions, actions and ambitions really impact how the generations to come will be affected. These women were not only dealing with their own personal drama but also combating generational family trauma as well. I admire these women, and it only takes one generation to keep pushing and asking questions to break the chain for future generations.
Thanks again @gallerybooks and @simonandschuster for a gifted finished copy
𝗽𝘂𝗯 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺 1/27/26
ғᴏʀᴍᴀᴛ: 📖
ʟᴇɴɢᴛʜ: 336pgs
The Seven Daughters of Dupree 💐
“Separated from her body, she still wasn’t dead. They didn’t know that while bodies could be kidnapped and used, bought, sold and bruised, seasoned until broken…minds could never be tamed.”
In this historical fiction we follow seven generations of black women as they navigate family, love, loss and an unshakable curse.
What an incredibly crafted story. This book digs deep into racism, pain, resilience, gender inequality and what it means to be a black woman in America. The timeline and plot was very captivating and impactful. Each storyline was unique with emotional depth. The Seven Daughters of Dupree is a powerful story that weaves together multiple stories navigating different time periods in a non-linear fashion. The last story broke me and had me in tears. This book unveiled how generations of decisions, actions and ambitions really impact how the generations to come will be affected. These women were not only dealing with their own personal drama but also combating generational family trauma as well. I admire these women, and it only takes one generation to keep pushing and asking questions to break the chain for future generations.
Thanks again @gallerybooks and @simonandschuster for a gifted finished copy
𝗽𝘂𝗯 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺 1/27/26
ғᴏʀᴍᴀᴛ: 📖
ʟᴇɴɢᴛʜ: 336pgs
January 17, 2026
A daughter, desperate to know who her father is, finds that the fullness of her person is actually found through discovering the paths of the women that came before her.
“You don’t know what you think you know.”
And what you don’t know may not kill you, but through the seven daughters of Dupree we understand how secrets passed down through each women holds weight in the healing and restoration of our souls. The wounds of our mothers and our mother’s mother must be shared. Because those wounds become monuments along our paths, meant for us to stop and study on our journeys.
I really loved reading this book and getting to know these women in their respective generations. Each chapter, a different window into the daughters of Dupree uncovered the story of how they each came to be—all the way back to the 1800s. The strength and the resilience of these women is just as remarkable as their mistakes and misfortunes. Their stories made me wonder about the stories of the women in my family and how much I don’t know. I think about how the little I do know directly informs the person I am now.
This book is an ode to the South and a call for black women to recognize the power and strength of the women before them. To let that power and strength influence our present and our futures. Not to hold it in shame.
This book out in about 2 weeks and I think you’ll definitely want to add this to your TBR
“You don’t know what you think you know.”
And what you don’t know may not kill you, but through the seven daughters of Dupree we understand how secrets passed down through each women holds weight in the healing and restoration of our souls. The wounds of our mothers and our mother’s mother must be shared. Because those wounds become monuments along our paths, meant for us to stop and study on our journeys.
I really loved reading this book and getting to know these women in their respective generations. Each chapter, a different window into the daughters of Dupree uncovered the story of how they each came to be—all the way back to the 1800s. The strength and the resilience of these women is just as remarkable as their mistakes and misfortunes. Their stories made me wonder about the stories of the women in my family and how much I don’t know. I think about how the little I do know directly informs the person I am now.
This book is an ode to the South and a call for black women to recognize the power and strength of the women before them. To let that power and strength influence our present and our futures. Not to hold it in shame.
This book out in about 2 weeks and I think you’ll definitely want to add this to your TBR
February 2, 2026
This multigenerational read kept my attention the entire time. Now there were times, I had to go back to see which character was which, because at times to me I got them crossed. I seem to find all the dramatic parts in books and Gladys gave me what I needed lol. Just a lil miss messy boots. There were a few parts in the book that were a little hard to read because it has become the norm in society and me realizing that not much has changed on how women are treated. Great book.
December 25, 2025
Where do I begin? The Seven Daughters of Dupree is just as haunting as it is unforgettable. We get to experience every hardship, heartache, and victories of seven generations of Dupree women. The writing and story telling were equally enrapturing. If you enjoyed GROWN WOMEN and ZEAL, you’ll absolutely love this as well.
December 17, 2025
Truly a masterpiece! The ability to navigate such important topics, while capturing the essence of black culture in America, all the while weaving in age old family dynamics and that remind you of your own family in both good and bad ways at times. Transcendent!
January 27, 2026
The Seven Daughters of Dupree is a generational drama that explores how trauma, absence, and unanswered questions echo across time. Told through multiple women in the Dupree bloodline, the novel moves backward and forward rather than following a linear timeline, emphasizing how the past continually shapes the present.
The book is divided into four sections: Questions, Answers, Aftermath, and The Beginning. In Questions, much of the focus is on the women trying to understand their parents, particularly their missing or distant fathers. Each generation grapples with similar uncertainties, highlighting how emotional struggles are inherited as much as learned.
Answers begins to reveal more about the fathers and the circumstances that shaped each generation. Rather than offering simple resolutions, this section deepens the novel’s exploration of generational trauma. Aftermath then draws many of the storylines together, providing a sense of closure while reinforcing how deeply connected these women’s lives are.
The most difficult section is The Beginning, which depicts the arrival of the Dupree women in America and the brutal realities of slavery. Williams does not shy away from the violence endured by an enslaved woman stolen from Africa, whose suffering becomes the origin point of the family’s generational trauma. It is a devastating but essential ending that reframes the entire story.
Powerful and emotionally demanding, The Seven Daughters of Dupree is a thoughtful exploration of legacy, survival, and the long reach of history. It would be a particularly impactful read for Black History Month and for readers interested in stories about family, memory, and resilience.
The book is divided into four sections: Questions, Answers, Aftermath, and The Beginning. In Questions, much of the focus is on the women trying to understand their parents, particularly their missing or distant fathers. Each generation grapples with similar uncertainties, highlighting how emotional struggles are inherited as much as learned.
Answers begins to reveal more about the fathers and the circumstances that shaped each generation. Rather than offering simple resolutions, this section deepens the novel’s exploration of generational trauma. Aftermath then draws many of the storylines together, providing a sense of closure while reinforcing how deeply connected these women’s lives are.
The most difficult section is The Beginning, which depicts the arrival of the Dupree women in America and the brutal realities of slavery. Williams does not shy away from the violence endured by an enslaved woman stolen from Africa, whose suffering becomes the origin point of the family’s generational trauma. It is a devastating but essential ending that reframes the entire story.
Powerful and emotionally demanding, The Seven Daughters of Dupree is a thoughtful exploration of legacy, survival, and the long reach of history. It would be a particularly impactful read for Black History Month and for readers interested in stories about family, memory, and resilience.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Stay with me here please as I try to capture as much as I can from this layered story.
I absolutely loved this book and here's why. The historical timeline. I always find myself gravitating towards the historical storyline more than current ones when both are written in book and these sisters' stories captivated me! I was 100% fascinated by Emma, Jubi, Ruby and Gladys' life experiences.
Their tragedies and triumphs, their practices, myths and beliefs that shaped their lives and the lives of their generation for years to come. I loved how hair culture was integrated in the story from Sarah's days as an enslaved woman to Nadia and Tati's natural love for styling hair.
The older Dupree women had what would appear to be an enmeshed relationship because one does not make a decision without the input of another, yet, they were also able to grow from their own individual struggles and challenges and these women went through alot!
We follow the current timeline with Gladys and Nadia's relationship and Nadia and Tati's relationship, three generations of grandmother, mother and daughter and clearly see how their experiences and beliefs over time shapes how they all interact with each other. The family secrets, the tension, was palpable!
Their relationships are not always pleasant and sometimes I personally could not vibe with Gladys' character but by the end, I got it. I understood her hardness, so to speak. I was impressed with Tati's character growth because I'm always going to champion the cycle breaker who is daring to challenge the family to think and live differently, challenge the systems that has held them down for generations while yes, holding on the values that has held their family together.
This book is not written in chronological order and jumps between timelines but is still easy to follow once you get comfortable with each character. I loved the easy, engaging pace in which it was written.
Readers of Grown Women and The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois will enjoy this book.
I absolutely loved this book and here's why. The historical timeline. I always find myself gravitating towards the historical storyline more than current ones when both are written in book and these sisters' stories captivated me! I was 100% fascinated by Emma, Jubi, Ruby and Gladys' life experiences.
Their tragedies and triumphs, their practices, myths and beliefs that shaped their lives and the lives of their generation for years to come. I loved how hair culture was integrated in the story from Sarah's days as an enslaved woman to Nadia and Tati's natural love for styling hair.
The older Dupree women had what would appear to be an enmeshed relationship because one does not make a decision without the input of another, yet, they were also able to grow from their own individual struggles and challenges and these women went through alot!
We follow the current timeline with Gladys and Nadia's relationship and Nadia and Tati's relationship, three generations of grandmother, mother and daughter and clearly see how their experiences and beliefs over time shapes how they all interact with each other. The family secrets, the tension, was palpable!
Their relationships are not always pleasant and sometimes I personally could not vibe with Gladys' character but by the end, I got it. I understood her hardness, so to speak. I was impressed with Tati's character growth because I'm always going to champion the cycle breaker who is daring to challenge the family to think and live differently, challenge the systems that has held them down for generations while yes, holding on the values that has held their family together.
This book is not written in chronological order and jumps between timelines but is still easy to follow once you get comfortable with each character. I loved the easy, engaging pace in which it was written.
Readers of Grown Women and The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois will enjoy this book.
February 4, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me the ebook ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The Seven Daughters of Dupree was a challenging and at times emotional story that follows generations of daughters who seemed condemned to a certain fate. With the numerous women we follow throughout the story, I found it helpful to create a lineage depicting the generations so I could recall when in time each woman lived and who was mother to who, but around the halfway mark the story unfolded and I was able to keep track of the order of the generations. When we jumped back in time to a moment right before an earlier chapter took place, I found myself skimming my highlights to see if I was able to catch on to what had taken place, to try to fill the gaps in my knowledge of what the author didn’t want us to know at the time.
Though heavily frustrated at times with the decisions and actions of each of the women, the final chapters really encapsulated the inner struggle of each character and allowed me to understand and sympathize with their actions.
Truly an emotional ending, we get to see the full story unfold from the first generation, allowing us to understand the narrative fully and the ultimate fate of the seven daughters of Dupree. I felt an immense amount of peace at the conclusion of the novel, especially with the epilogue. The writing style and poetic nature of the book were truly inspiring. 4.5 stars.
The Seven Daughters of Dupree was a challenging and at times emotional story that follows generations of daughters who seemed condemned to a certain fate. With the numerous women we follow throughout the story, I found it helpful to create a lineage depicting the generations so I could recall when in time each woman lived and who was mother to who, but around the halfway mark the story unfolded and I was able to keep track of the order of the generations. When we jumped back in time to a moment right before an earlier chapter took place, I found myself skimming my highlights to see if I was able to catch on to what had taken place, to try to fill the gaps in my knowledge of what the author didn’t want us to know at the time.
Though heavily frustrated at times with the decisions and actions of each of the women, the final chapters really encapsulated the inner struggle of each character and allowed me to understand and sympathize with their actions.
Truly an emotional ending, we get to see the full story unfold from the first generation, allowing us to understand the narrative fully and the ultimate fate of the seven daughters of Dupree. I felt an immense amount of peace at the conclusion of the novel, especially with the epilogue. The writing style and poetic nature of the book were truly inspiring. 4.5 stars.
February 3, 2026
so good
Geeez this was a good book!!!! I love how the stories were intertwined and how it all came together at the end
Geeez this was a good book!!!! I love how the stories were intertwined and how it all came together at the end
January 6, 2026
I really liked this but with the number of characters/history/storylines I think it kinda needed to be like 200 pages longer
November 2, 2025
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.
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.
July 19, 2025
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.
January 27, 2026
***ARC*** Thanks to Gallery Books Publishing Company for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this poignant and profound masterpiece.
What I love about reading historical fiction is the stories transport you back into a different time period, oftentimes spanning different years and centuries. I learn so much from the characters’ pov’s and this book delivered!
This book is written with a lot of passion. It is a heavy read, not to be taken lightly so definitely read this when you have the time and attention to really concentrate and focus. The chapters weave in and out of different decades to tell you the backstory of each granddaughter/great granddaughter of Master Dupree through the generations.
This book really is a masterpiece! The author did an amazing job at using appropriate language across the various time periods where each woman’s story was told. So you knew exactly when you were in the 1800’s, the 1950’s and the 1980’s. Nikesha Elise Williams is brilliant! The language used to tell this story is exquisite, quite eloquent. It may be hard to follow at first but as you keep reading it gets easier. You can tell the author is immersed in creative writing and production in media. This story is beautifully told; as I read the entire time I imagined a narrator speaking to me as I was watching an immersive movie on the big screen.
Most of this book dealt with heavy content, but lighter, laughable parts were sprinkled throughout. With Tati’s story there is some 90’s nostalgia taking me back to memories of perms/relaxers, curling irons, straightening combs, blue magic grease and Dudley’s hair products. I absolutely HATED the way Roman did my girl Nadia. 😠 😢 The shade and banter between Nadia and her mom Gladys (Mimi) is both hilarious and concerning.
The curse on the entire bloodline of Dupree women was sad; how it manifested differently for each woman and a similar cycle that kept repeating itself. It was beautiful to see the gift of talent from their ancestor being passed down to the next generations of Dupree women especially Ruby and Nadia. It shows how powerful ancestry is. The last portion of the book titled “The Beginning” was heart wrenching it brought me to tears. My heart broke for their ancestor whom no one ever knew her real name 😢
In order to keep up and understand what was happening throughout this story I literally had to make my own family tree to remember each character. Maybe someone will find this helpful also. Each Dupree woman is listed in order below:
Master Dupree was a white slave owner and he was the father of Emma. Her mother was a young enslaved girl he captured and brought over on a slave ship to his plantation.
Evangeline was the cook and midwife and root worker who helped ppl transition to the afterlife but she also was a good friend of Emma’s mom and helped take care of Emma since her mother was murdered at childbirth.
The 7 Dupree Women
1. Emma- Master Dupree’s biracial daughter. Marries a mulatto man George. They have Jubilee. Emma and Jubilee both have light skin, light eyes and light hair.
2. Jubilee (lied and began passing for white, married a white man Logan but the baby Ruby came out looking black)
3. Ruby (dark skin, long black hair) Ruby & Sampson are Gladys’ parents
4. Gladys (Mimi or grandmother, lightskin like Emma & Jubi but with thicker light colored hair) Eugene is married to Gladys and he is Nadia’s father.
5. Nadia (Tati’s mom)
6. Tati
7. Baby Sa’rah (Tati’s daughter)
What I love about reading historical fiction is the stories transport you back into a different time period, oftentimes spanning different years and centuries. I learn so much from the characters’ pov’s and this book delivered!
This book is written with a lot of passion. It is a heavy read, not to be taken lightly so definitely read this when you have the time and attention to really concentrate and focus. The chapters weave in and out of different decades to tell you the backstory of each granddaughter/great granddaughter of Master Dupree through the generations.
This book really is a masterpiece! The author did an amazing job at using appropriate language across the various time periods where each woman’s story was told. So you knew exactly when you were in the 1800’s, the 1950’s and the 1980’s. Nikesha Elise Williams is brilliant! The language used to tell this story is exquisite, quite eloquent. It may be hard to follow at first but as you keep reading it gets easier. You can tell the author is immersed in creative writing and production in media. This story is beautifully told; as I read the entire time I imagined a narrator speaking to me as I was watching an immersive movie on the big screen.
Most of this book dealt with heavy content, but lighter, laughable parts were sprinkled throughout. With Tati’s story there is some 90’s nostalgia taking me back to memories of perms/relaxers, curling irons, straightening combs, blue magic grease and Dudley’s hair products. I absolutely HATED the way Roman did my girl Nadia. 😠 😢 The shade and banter between Nadia and her mom Gladys (Mimi) is both hilarious and concerning.
The curse on the entire bloodline of Dupree women was sad; how it manifested differently for each woman and a similar cycle that kept repeating itself. It was beautiful to see the gift of talent from their ancestor being passed down to the next generations of Dupree women especially Ruby and Nadia. It shows how powerful ancestry is. The last portion of the book titled “The Beginning” was heart wrenching it brought me to tears. My heart broke for their ancestor whom no one ever knew her real name 😢
In order to keep up and understand what was happening throughout this story I literally had to make my own family tree to remember each character. Maybe someone will find this helpful also. Each Dupree woman is listed in order below:
Master Dupree was a white slave owner and he was the father of Emma. Her mother was a young enslaved girl he captured and brought over on a slave ship to his plantation.
Evangeline was the cook and midwife and root worker who helped ppl transition to the afterlife but she also was a good friend of Emma’s mom and helped take care of Emma since her mother was murdered at childbirth.
The 7 Dupree Women
1. Emma- Master Dupree’s biracial daughter. Marries a mulatto man George. They have Jubilee. Emma and Jubilee both have light skin, light eyes and light hair.
2. Jubilee (lied and began passing for white, married a white man Logan but the baby Ruby came out looking black)
3. Ruby (dark skin, long black hair) Ruby & Sampson are Gladys’ parents
4. Gladys (Mimi or grandmother, lightskin like Emma & Jubi but with thicker light colored hair) Eugene is married to Gladys and he is Nadia’s father.
5. Nadia (Tati’s mom)
6. Tati
7. Baby Sa’rah (Tati’s daughter)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2026
Wow 🤯 . 5 ✨
Seven Daughters of Dupree is a sweeping, multigenerational novel that traces the lives of seven Dupree women across time, place, and inheritance. Set against land that holds both legacy and loss, this story unfolds through layered perspectives that illuminate how history lives inside families—particularly Black women—and how motherhood, sacrifice, and survival shape who we become and who our daughters are allowed to be.
Fans of Homegoing will find a similarly immersive experience here. The novel’s structure—anchored in multiple points of view—reveals each woman first through her own lens and later through the eyes of her descendants, deepening the emotional resonance and complexity of their stories. The cumulative effect is powerful, showing how trauma, resilience, love, and disappointment are passed down, reinterpreted, and sometimes healed across generations.
The integration of music—from the Fisk Jubilee Singers to Chaka Khan and Mary J. Blige—adds an evocative cultural throughline, grounding each era while reinforcing the emotional and historical shifts within the family. While some scenes are unflinching in their detail, these moments are purposeful, enhancing the novel’s realism and honoring the weight of the characters’ experiences rather than sensationalizing them.
One of the novel’s most striking motifs is hair, woven throughout the narrative as a marker of identity, creativity, resistance, and connection. This recurring element reinforces the novel’s celebration of Black women’s ingenuity and endurance across time.
Ultimately, Seven Daughters of Dupree is a richly layered exploration of lineage, memory, and the costs of survival in America—a land built by people who were never meant to inherit it, yet continue to shape it. This is a novel that lingers long after the final page and one that will undoubtedly resonate with readers drawn to literary fiction centered on Black history, womanhood, and generational storytelling.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the e-ARC. Nikesha Elise Williams has secured a permanent place on my always-read list.
⸻
#SevenDaughtersOfDupree #ARCReview #NetGalley #GalleryBooks #BlackLiteraryFiction #GenerationalStories #WomenAcrossGenerations #BlackWomenWriters #LiteraryFiction #HomegoingReaders #BookReview #BlackBooks
Seven Daughters of Dupree is a sweeping, multigenerational novel that traces the lives of seven Dupree women across time, place, and inheritance. Set against land that holds both legacy and loss, this story unfolds through layered perspectives that illuminate how history lives inside families—particularly Black women—and how motherhood, sacrifice, and survival shape who we become and who our daughters are allowed to be.
Fans of Homegoing will find a similarly immersive experience here. The novel’s structure—anchored in multiple points of view—reveals each woman first through her own lens and later through the eyes of her descendants, deepening the emotional resonance and complexity of their stories. The cumulative effect is powerful, showing how trauma, resilience, love, and disappointment are passed down, reinterpreted, and sometimes healed across generations.
The integration of music—from the Fisk Jubilee Singers to Chaka Khan and Mary J. Blige—adds an evocative cultural throughline, grounding each era while reinforcing the emotional and historical shifts within the family. While some scenes are unflinching in their detail, these moments are purposeful, enhancing the novel’s realism and honoring the weight of the characters’ experiences rather than sensationalizing them.
One of the novel’s most striking motifs is hair, woven throughout the narrative as a marker of identity, creativity, resistance, and connection. This recurring element reinforces the novel’s celebration of Black women’s ingenuity and endurance across time.
Ultimately, Seven Daughters of Dupree is a richly layered exploration of lineage, memory, and the costs of survival in America—a land built by people who were never meant to inherit it, yet continue to shape it. This is a novel that lingers long after the final page and one that will undoubtedly resonate with readers drawn to literary fiction centered on Black history, womanhood, and generational storytelling.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the e-ARC. Nikesha Elise Williams has secured a permanent place on my always-read list.
⸻
#SevenDaughtersOfDupree #ARCReview #NetGalley #GalleryBooks #BlackLiteraryFiction #GenerationalStories #WomenAcrossGenerations #BlackWomenWriters #LiteraryFiction #HomegoingReaders #BookReview #BlackBooks
November 16, 2025
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
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
January 15, 2026
Thank you @gallerybooks #partner @scoutpressbooks + @simon.audio for my advanced copies! 🎧📘
Listening to this story while following along in the physical book was an absolute experience. Each daughter’s voice felt distinct and purposeful, and the way their lives connected revealed a powerful story of sisterhood, legacy, and the lasting impact of family history.
The emotional depth was top tier!! I found myself fully invested, feeling their pain, their triumphs, and the weight of the generational wounds they carried. The narration elevated the story, bringing warmth, tension, and tenderness to every scene, while reading along allowed me to savor the language and really sit with it, feeling like I was right there with the Dupree sisters.
This was more than just a good story; it was a deeply moving journey into love, resilience, and identity. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves rich family sagas and beautifully developed female characters.
There was even a point where I couldn’t stand Gladys. Something about her hit a little too close to home and reminded me of my own mom. But as the story continued to unfold, my frustration softened into understanding. By a certain moment, I found myself wanting to reach into the story and hug her. That shift challenged me, too.. it made me reflect on how much grace and curiosity we sometimes need to extend to the women who raised us, and how digging a little deeper can change how we see them.
So, should you read it or skip it?
You should absolutely read it because this story doesn’t just entertain you with the mess (cause it’s some mess in it lol) but you’ll really feel, reflect, and see the power of family 🥹, forgiveness, and generational healing in a way that stays with you and hopefully challenge you like it did for me. 😮💨
‼️ I did have to take notes to keep track of all the characters and how they’re connected (swipe to see). 🤭
Listening to this story while following along in the physical book was an absolute experience. Each daughter’s voice felt distinct and purposeful, and the way their lives connected revealed a powerful story of sisterhood, legacy, and the lasting impact of family history.
The emotional depth was top tier!! I found myself fully invested, feeling their pain, their triumphs, and the weight of the generational wounds they carried. The narration elevated the story, bringing warmth, tension, and tenderness to every scene, while reading along allowed me to savor the language and really sit with it, feeling like I was right there with the Dupree sisters.
This was more than just a good story; it was a deeply moving journey into love, resilience, and identity. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves rich family sagas and beautifully developed female characters.
There was even a point where I couldn’t stand Gladys. Something about her hit a little too close to home and reminded me of my own mom. But as the story continued to unfold, my frustration softened into understanding. By a certain moment, I found myself wanting to reach into the story and hug her. That shift challenged me, too.. it made me reflect on how much grace and curiosity we sometimes need to extend to the women who raised us, and how digging a little deeper can change how we see them.
So, should you read it or skip it?
You should absolutely read it because this story doesn’t just entertain you with the mess (cause it’s some mess in it lol) but you’ll really feel, reflect, and see the power of family 🥹, forgiveness, and generational healing in a way that stays with you and hopefully challenge you like it did for me. 😮💨
‼️ I did have to take notes to keep track of all the characters and how they’re connected (swipe to see). 🤭
January 8, 2026
Thank you Simon Audio for my free audiobook copy
Whew… this one had me THINKING. At first I was like “okay, I might need a family tree,” (and I made one) but once I settled in and really got to know each of the Dupree ladies, everything started coming together. The audiobook narration is perfection, but I expect nothing less from none other than Bahni Turpin. Every character felt clear and distinct once I got to know them, which made following generations so much easier. I loved how different each daughter was. The author did an amazing job with each character’s development. This story had me loving some characters, frustrated with others, and side-eyeing a few real hard… but that’s what made it so good. It’s a beautifully messy generational trauma story about motherhood, secrets, survival, and breaking generational curses.
By the end, I was fully invested and emotionally satisfied. Definitely a must-listen (or read)! I would say go into this one blind and not read the description (if you haven’t already). Trust me you won’t be disappointed.
Whew… this one had me THINKING. At first I was like “okay, I might need a family tree,” (and I made one) but once I settled in and really got to know each of the Dupree ladies, everything started coming together. The audiobook narration is perfection, but I expect nothing less from none other than Bahni Turpin. Every character felt clear and distinct once I got to know them, which made following generations so much easier. I loved how different each daughter was. The author did an amazing job with each character’s development. This story had me loving some characters, frustrated with others, and side-eyeing a few real hard… but that’s what made it so good. It’s a beautifully messy generational trauma story about motherhood, secrets, survival, and breaking generational curses.
By the end, I was fully invested and emotionally satisfied. Definitely a must-listen (or read)! I would say go into this one blind and not read the description (if you haven’t already). Trust me you won’t be disappointed.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you @netgalley and @simonalschusterau for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
*no spoilers*
The Seven Daughters of Dupree by Nikesha Elise Williams is a multigenerational story, spanning seven generations of women.
The story covers non-linear timelines of the women who are cursed to birth only female babies. The curse threads them all together, along with the struggles of identity, love and hard family dynamics growing up as a Black person in America for more than a century.
It was emotional, some parts hard to read. I loved reading the stories of these women through their own eyes and then through the eyes of their family around them.
I was interested in seeing the way each woman's trauma would flow through the story and it gave me a peek into something you never get into the context of your own life: Why are the women in my family the way they are? Tell me what happened to you.
I think that in the political climate of today, all over the world, it is important to read these stories and remember what was done to people. Real people. It wasn' that long ago, people still bear the scars of it.
The Seven Daughters of Dupree will be released January 28th 2026 in Australia.
*no spoilers*
The Seven Daughters of Dupree by Nikesha Elise Williams is a multigenerational story, spanning seven generations of women.
The story covers non-linear timelines of the women who are cursed to birth only female babies. The curse threads them all together, along with the struggles of identity, love and hard family dynamics growing up as a Black person in America for more than a century.
It was emotional, some parts hard to read. I loved reading the stories of these women through their own eyes and then through the eyes of their family around them.
I was interested in seeing the way each woman's trauma would flow through the story and it gave me a peek into something you never get into the context of your own life: Why are the women in my family the way they are? Tell me what happened to you.
I think that in the political climate of today, all over the world, it is important to read these stories and remember what was done to people. Real people. It wasn' that long ago, people still bear the scars of it.
The Seven Daughters of Dupree will be released January 28th 2026 in Australia.
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