The Seven Daughters of Dupree

by Nikesha Elise Williams

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.

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

Audible Audio

Expected publication January 27, 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

[emma]

when a synopsis contains comparisons to my favorite books it's like okay, you got me!

[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.

[Book Riot Community]

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

[AlexTRBG · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[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.

[Kenzie | kenzienoelle.reads]

It 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!!

[KaylaTRBG · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Aubrei K (earlgreypls) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this but with the number of characters/history/storylines I think it kinda needed to be like 200 pages longer

[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.

[Shakila (BooksandThemes) · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ulani · Rating 4 out of 5]

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. 

[Morgan Gayles · Rating 4 out of 5]

“They cut off her head because she ran…Separated from her body, she still wasn’t dead…Minds could never be tamed”

Tati just wanted to get to know her dad but my girl had a bit more dip on her chip. This story follows the lineage of the Dupree women. Each facing their own challenges but are unknowingly linked to their Matriarch…her spirit lived through them and showed up in facets that seemed/believed to be cursed…

Told in a multi POV timeline, this multigenerational historical fiction taps into themes of family secrets, mother-daughter relationships, trauma, survival, and healing. I can honestly say that though the origin of the Dupree women started on a plantation, slavery wasn’t overly shared…to me, all the women were free because their minds were just that. Highlighting the spirit that comes from our hair gave me chills during each characters journey. The significance in the weaving of tresses and the weaving of characters with back and forth timelines…genius.

[Jazisunray Skillern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nikesha Elise Williams’ “The Seven Daughters of Dupree” is a breathtaking story of history, memory, and love that spans nearly a century. At the heart of the novel is Tati, a courageous fourteen-year-old in 1995, whose quest to uncover her father’s identity becomes a journey into the hidden truths of the Dupree family. Williams expertly unravels the secrets of each generation, from Jubi’s heartbreaking decision in 1917 to Nadia’s life-altering night in 1980, revealing how the past relentlessly shapes the present.

The novel’s greatest strength lies in its nuanced portrayal of Black womanhood and the complexities of inheritance—of trauma, resilience, and hope. The Dupree women, bound by a mysterious legacy that ensures only daughters are born, are rendered with empathy and depth. Williams’s prose is both lyrical and unflinching, drawing readers into the emotional lives of her characters while never shying away from the harsh realities they face.

Echoing the literary resonance of Ayana Mathis’s “The Twelve Tribes of Hattie,” this novel stands apart for its intergenerational perspective and its celebration of Black women’s endurance and solidarity. “The Seven Daughters of Dupree” is a moving, beautifully constructed story that lingers long after the final page—a testament to the power of secrets, the strength of family, and the unbreakable bonds between mothers and daughters
Thank you, NetGalley, Nikesha Elise Williams, and Simon & Schuster for this ARC copy.

[Sara]

Journy of build and pain
panorama of secret
beat of love miss fear
search for blue at my past
who give the power to redive at past
silient secret float ther
tamed mind
broken bodey
many night live it at dark
voyage to shadow of past
many eyes talked the truth
war and adv to grow to another genertion
helpss tears
finshed heart
tired days
drow life was build at castl of past was harsh
its long road to rebirth

[edrickreadit · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Rose Reyes]

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[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.

[Eleanor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nikesha Elise Williams, takes us on a sweeping multi-generational journey following the lives of several Dupree women. From the nineteenth century into the late twentieth century, they navigate love, loss, and tenacious family ties, as well as misogyny and racism in the aftermath of enslavement and the height of segregationist America.

At the heart of the novel is fourteen-year-old Tati in 1995, who uses poetry to convey her thoughts, and is determined to discover the identity of her father following the continued secrecy of her mother, Nadia. Unbeknownst to her, family secrets trace back generations on the maternal side, from Tati’s grandmother, Gladys, to the harrowing stories of Ruby, Jubilee, and Emma. Along with Tati, we discover the lineage of the Dupree women, from Emma in the 1800s, who loses her baby boy, symbolising the commencement of the matriarchal family line, to Jubi in 1917, whose resolute attempt to be white passing ends when she gives birth to Ruby. Each chapter unveils a new piece of the family history, exposing the anguish suffered at the hands of men and white people, as well as the enigmatic, omnipresent figure that remains obscured in the family history.

At its core is a story of Black women through the generations — their strength, resilience, trauma, and power. Through a vivid non-linear narrative, we discover the political and societal changes, as well as the enduring intersectional hardships Black women encountered.

[Ivoree Malcom · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Denisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the e-ARC of "The Seven Daughters of Dupree" by Nikesha Elise Williams.

I finished this book in a day. It was enchanting and pulled me in from the very first page. I couldn't look away.
This book was everything to me as a Black woman. It explored the intersectionality I experience in 2026 that my ancestors lived generations before me, and it reminded me of the phrase "Daughter of Daughters" from Tracy Deonn's Legendborn—the idea that we carry not just our own stories, but the stories of every woman who came before us. Williams takes that concept and breathes life into it. When Tati asks her mothers, "Did you ever think that y'all's crosses became mine?", I felt that in my soul. The emotional weight of carrying what came before you, whether you asked for it or not, this book captures that beautifully.

Although I haven't lived the exact experiences of these characters, I understood the longing to know your history and the pain of family secrets withheld, not to harm, but to protect you from the misery their mothers and their mothers' mothers endured. I understood the "lessons" each mother was trying to teach through the scorn they delivered, even when it hurt. That's the complexity of Black motherhood and generational love, harsh because the world is harsher, protective because survival demanded it.

Williams tackles generational trauma from slavery and segregation, mother-daughter relationships, mental health, white beauty standards, race, and colorism with prose that flows like water. She doesn't shy away from the hard stuff like miscarriages, sexual assault, classism, generational hatred but she also shows the fierce bravery of these women. Their strength made me proud to be a "daughter of daughters," despite all the trials it took to get here.

The book reminded me that despite the humanity we all claim, some people are unafraid to use violence to seek justice even when it's unnecessary, and others will go to devastating lengths to save face. As one character says, "No one likes to admit that shame is an internal feeling, something you perceive within yourself. Can't nobody give you shame to feel." Yet so many characters tried to impose it anyway. The women learned that leaving a situation in the past doesn't mean you don't "know your mess when you hear it." Karma works in any culture. Williams masterfully weaves trauma through each generation while also showing their growth, their healing, and how it brings them closer together.

The references to clairvoyance, "shadows," "having the sight," and superstitious practices were a beautiful nod to our African beliefs mixed with the Christianity forced upon us. There's something deeply rooted in the idea that these women possess knowledge, gained through dreams, visions, or an ancestral intuition that can't be explained away. It's the same knowing that tells you when you've heard your own mess, the same knowing that connects you to mothers you've never met. This is a gorgeously written love letter to our ancestors and the hardships that shaped us into who we are today.

This book will stay with me.

[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!

[Nae · Rating 5 out of 5]

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). 🤭

[Andre(Read-A-Lot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic. Searing. Emotional. Evocative. Wisdom, wit, heart, and uncommon sense. And you often get all that in one paragraph. “Those were the only words Evangeline and George could make out between her cries. Wet heavy sobs that began in her gut, gurgled up her throat, and fell out of her mouth without any control. The sound mothers make when they lose their young is distinct and distinguishable from any other on Earth. A cry greater than grief, wider than mourning, and deeper than distress. Animalistic is the sound of a mother bereft after losing a cub. Whether the child is five days or fifty years, children aren’t supposed to go before their parents. A trip to the other side was supposed to be a path paved by elders. Not babies who’d barely learned to blink”

That passage is in the wake of Emma losing a male child shortly after birth. You see the Dupree line of women have carried a strange malediction through generations. They cannot give birth to male children. This curse is whispered through the generations, but a full disclosure of all that surrounds this damnation is never given a full throated explanation, effectively leaving Dupree women with more questions than answers.

It takes a young Dupree woman of the late ‘90s, who is in search of the father that she never met, that eventually gets her mother and grandmother to spill all the Dupree secrets and history. In some ways, this is a cautionary tale on the potential destruction of family legacy by withholding of valuable life-giving information. It is also a tale of strong familial bonds and the power of Black womanhood.

A multigenerational story that is extraordinary in it’s gripping narrative and will keep you invested until the end. In a waaaaayyyyy too early prediction, this book will certainly land among the best of 2026. I personally already have it on my short list. This book will grab you and shake you and will stay on your mind long after you have closed the book. Book drops 01.27.26.

[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.

[Aldi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A powerful and thought-provoking multi-generational story about seven Black women tied together and torn apart by the secrets, hurts, and lies of their family lineage, weaving back from the 1990s to ante-bellum Alabama. It’s a pretty gruelling read, which comes with the territory; there’s plenty of generational trauma and fraught mother-daughter relationships, not to mention the horror show of American slavery and its indelible impact.

The characterisation is strong, and I loved the throughline of doing hair as a means of self-empowerment and connection. The setting was vibrant and oppressive, the dangers besetting these women’s lives palpable through the different eras. There’s a strong element of mysticism as well, which added to the atmosphere.

With seven POVs and a non-chronological timeline, it was inevitable that some characters would resonate more (I wanted more of Emma, Jubi, and Ruby, and was much less interested in Nadia and Tati). The first line of the book, though powerful, is kind of diluted by how long it takes to cycle back to the woman with whom it all started. I also struggled a bit with the style, which bounces back and forth between close third person and omniscient observations that sounded more like authorial asides, which felt as if the author didn’t trust her readers to get the correct messaging on their own. I realise it’s a stylistic choice, but it didn’t quite vibe with me. I also found the 2024 epilogue a bit too neat.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster (Australia) for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Presley Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating is 3.75. I want to start with the fact that this book is very beautifully written. The stories and background of the characters really pull you in and keep you invested. The beginning of the book can be a little confusing because you are sort of introduced to a lot of the characters at one time; however, as you keep reading, you start focusing on individual characters during certain chapters. For example, one chapter may be about one particular character, and then another chapter is about a different character. Also the book in its entirety does tell a story about seven different generations of women so because of that there is a lot of timeline switching when you are reading about specific characters. For example, the youngest character’s timeline starts around the 90s, but some of the other characters star in the 1800s. Overall, I did find sometimes where I really did not want to put this book down because I wanted to know what was happening or going to happen with the characters. There were also times where I may have become bored or uninterested, but that was only for a very small section of the writing. Also, some of the pieces of certain characters stories can be a little hard to read due to what they are going through during certain times of their life, but it’s also pieces of stories/history that need to be told. If you’re someone who really likes to read historical fiction that really makes you feel like you’re in that time period, I think this is a good book to pick up.

[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.