Family

by J. California Cooper

In this wise, beguiling, and beautiful novel set in the era of the Civil War, award-winning playwright and author J. California Cooper paints a haunting portrait of a woman named Always and four generations of her African-American family.

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

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

J. California Cooper first found acclaim as a playwright. The author of seventeen plays, she was named Black Playwright of the Year in 1978. It was through her work in the theater that she caught the attention of acclaimed poet and novelist Alice Walker. Encouraged by Walker to turn her popular storytelling skills to fiction, Cooper wrote her first collection of short stories, A Piece of Mine, in 1984. Called "rich in wisdom and insight" and "a book that's worth reading," A Piece of Mine introduced Cooper's trademark style: her intimate and energetic narration, sympathetic yet sometimes troubled characters, and the profound moral messages that underlie seemingly simple stories. Two more story collections followed on the heels of A Piece of Mine. In 1986 came Homemade Love, winner of an American Book Award, and, in 1987, Some Soul to Keep.

Reviews

[Mariah Roze · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for the Goodreads' book club Diversity in All Forms! If you would like to join or check out the discussion on this book here is the link: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I am so glad that J. California Cooper was our voted on author because her work is amazing and I would have never been introduced to it otherwise.

This book takes place right before the Civil War. This book is about a woman named Always, born a slave, and her four generations of her African-American family throughout history.

[Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

"History. Lived, not written, is such a thing not to understand always, but to marvel over. Time is so forever that life has many instances when you can say 'Once upon a time' thousands of times in one life."

From the first line of this book, one that I read and read and read again, I was impressed. Actually, before the book even begins there is a beautiful epigraph--one that's too long to post here, presenting beautiful images, so vivid and almost visceral--and I knew I was in for a treat.

Family by J. California Cooper is the story of Clora, or really a story as told by Clora, of her family. And the families of slavery in 1800's America. It's a tragedy but never without resilience and hope. Clora narrates the story from after the grave. And we get to float along with her through time and space as she follows her children, and her children's children, live out their lives as slaves and eventually free people.

It's a heartbreakingly beautiful story of loss and cruelty and injustice mixed with love, devotion, aspirations and determination. Our main character, Always, who is Clora's daughter, is persistent in pursuing her dreams of being a land-owning, literate free woman. She goes through plenty of trials, and we, along with Clora, witness these firsthand. We also get to share in her joys and celebrations when the good times do come.

It's a short novel, only 230 pages. And the only thing I think it lacked was a bit more length--it could've been twice as long because I was enjoying it so much! But also I appreciated Cooper's ability to deliver an emotional and powerful story with such brevity. It's uplifting and also terrifying. And it's eerily relevant to America today. Its beginning and end pages are some of the most poignant I've read in a long while. I think this should be required reading.

[Cheryl James · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd Read

I needed a touch of family love, and no one does it better than J. California Cooper. This book gives me hope and memories of my ancestors. I pray they are looking after us as my family and I move throughout life. Peace be to all of my Black, Brown, White, and all in-between sisters, brothers, cousins, etc..

J. California Cooper, gone but never forgotten!!

[She Reads for Jesus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published in 1991, Family is the first novel written by the exceptional short story writer, J. California Cooper. This historical novel begins during the antebellum period when the narrator Clara, who is a slave woman, suffers a tragedy and dies. Her spirit is left on earth to look upon her children, as she follows them throughout their life while they experience cruelty, mistreatment, love, and prosperity. The spiritual being of Clara follows a span of four generations of her family lineage, spread throughout different countries. Within the story, Cooper eloquently confirms her literary talents by writing a narrative that introduces readers to profound characters, like Always, Clara’s first child and the one she looks upon often. Always embodies the enduring strength and wisdom of her mother Clara, and becomes the center of the family lineage.

Cooper admirably creates a novel that vividly describes the heart wrenching cruelty of slavery, as well as the triumphant effects of freedom. Readers are introduced to poignant characters that remain memorable long after the conclusion of the story. With astounding power and grace, Cooper imprints her mark within African American literature with her profound work. As a result, Family is a must read for those who appreciate great works of literature.

[Antonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an extremely touching novel about one family over several generations. The matriarch of the family tries to kill herself and children to escape slavery and she is the only one to pass away. She’s left the wander the world as a spirit checking in and following along with her childrens’ lives. Two parts of the book made me have to stop and put it down. I think it would be a great one to read before Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi.

[Jenn Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

The novel was a very emotional read for me, as I am a very emotional reader. I had a difficult time focusing on critical elements of content and style because I was easily swept away in the affective purchase of the story. It was not a satisfying read for me; it tugged on my soul and made me feel miserable.

The narrative style was paramount for me because even after I finished the novel, I lingered on what happened to the narrator and why she struggled to "let go" and pass on. A narrator like her might have been considered unreliable in another context, yet in this context of slavery in which she watches her kin move through life toward freedom, I never had any doubts about her integrity and her truthful narration. This struck me quite a bit, because the gaps in her vision may suggest to savvy readers that there is some room for error. But, I was open to taking her word as gospel, perhaps because of the sincere pain mingled with her narrative style. There was no challenging that pain. It trumped any other evidence of suspicious narration for me. That is the power of pain in this novel. It is overwhelmingly powerful.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of my family, and that of every African American family that had to endure such trying times. As I pass though the pages of this brilliantly written book, I thought to myself, how did she know this was me. Time after time we as African American living now forget what they people who struggle before us had to press on in order for us to be here. J California Cooper bring us t the front line, and she doesn't just take there , she walks with you, because what you are about to witness is going to be hard on the human heart. I see my my grandmothers as far back as the ones who stood on the shore of Africa waiting fr their stolen children to come when I read this book. This book has moved me to learn and understand where I come from, and how I got to be there. As an African American women it has taught me to have a racial pride that can never be bought but only admired.

[Nea · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is family when you're denied the basic rights of living as a human being? When you're denied everything you want, and all that you don't want is forced upon you? When love and bonding only risk greater heartache? When your blood mixes with the blood of your tormentors?

This book is one woman's account of her family as they are born into slavery, bound together, torn apart, lost and found, captured and freed, bought and sold, and (eventually) liberated from this life.

This story is both heartbreaking and an inspiring tale of a Black woman's strength.
4.5 stars

[James M Deem · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this book with college freshmen for many years. No matter how many times I taught it, I was always amazed at the author's ability to move an audience to tears.

Family is narrated by an enslaved woman named Clora in the southern United States sometime before the Civil War and concerns the woman, her mother and ancestors as well as her children and grandchildren. This is a down-to-earth straightforward account of slavery and family (in the larger sense of the word--we are all members of the same family) that will tie you in knots and keep you reading. The characters truly come alive, and Clora's voice is indelible.

No spoilers here, but something happens at the end of Chapter 3 (I cannot tell you what it is because it is too stunning to give away) that will blow you away. J. California Cooper was a gifted and wonderful author, and this was her very best work. It is one of my favorite all-time books.

[Betty Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would say the book answered my questions.I always believed Black people were originally BLACK... Black people are so mixed, that's why we come in so many shades of colors... I also believe that some white people with thick curly hair had someone black in their ancestors. I'm not trying to affend anyone, but when you read it, you'llprobably understand why I wrote this. I've been thinking about this so long and reading this book made me put some pieces 2gther... Other than that this book is very inspirational...

[Anna Halula-Busby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had some friends who read the book that had trouble with the dialect, but this book is AMAZING. I think it should be required reading as nothing speaks to slavery like this book. The surprises and twists at the end of the book will not soon be forgotten; I remember them today as clearly as I did when I read the book which was quite a few years ago. I would recommend this book to everyone; it certainly will make you think of race relations in an entirely new way.

[Distant Sounds · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very tough read at times, hopeful at others, sad, bleak, beautiful, touching. I had never read a novel before solely set during times of slavery, and it truly opened my eyes to what went on during that time. I was shocked to see some of what happened back then. J California Cooper didn't hold back on giving breath to those dark times, but also showed us the resilience some had to survive, and the beauty within them, when all around was trying to suppress and devalue their existence.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

They can’t slave my wishin none.

This slim novel is told from the perspective of a slave in the ethereal limbo between life and death, watching over the lives of her children, particularly her daughter Always. The book is narrow in scope but profound in its portrayal of how complex slaves’ lives were, especially their family relations, due to forced ties (with white owners raping slaves and having children by them) and severances (with family members sold and scattered, changed names, forgetting, whites and slaves unaware of their kinship, etc.).

Of course, there is the theme of slaves appearing white and passing when convenient, but the book takes the theme a step further, with a white slave passing on his own plantation … and even to himself.

Always views fields purchased through the sale of her children and that she has broken her back over through decades of unpaid work as rightfully hers, giving her roots and a stake in her master’s assets through bonds of blood, sweat, and tears. This land, she cries out, is part of her body, and she finds a way to wrest it away, piece by piece, from the people who think they own her. After years of secretly setting by what she can, when the Civil War ends and freedom comes she’s all set up, and not just money-wise. Then, for the first time, she can shift from survival and cunning to flourishing self-determination. The smallest things are incredibly meaningful and beautiful.

The voice of the narrator (and surely of the author herself) is irrepressible, fiery, somehow exuberant. What she says goes, and she says we’re all family. I’m not going to talk back.

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I am actually shocked at how much I liked this novel. I need a break from some of the high brow literature typically read and J. California Cooper was the answer to that. I will admit that I was hooked with only about 15 pages in as the writing is strong and the characters well developed. The topic was heavy - enslavement, rape, violence, white supremacy, etc. - but the writing focused on women and their agency, resilience, and survival so that kept me going. I would recommend this book. I'm going to check out more from this author.

[Sheera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has had a very profound effect on me. I have introduced it to many people. It is emotional and gritty and tells a story of struggle and perseverance against all odds (and sometimes failing in the most tragic manners). EXCELLENT story!

Also, I've read it umpteen times and I get emotional just thinking about this book!

[Ethan Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't finish, just not that enjoyable. Good neo-slave narrative themes like femininity and domesticity, but there's not a strong plot. You don't get attached to any characters, and it can be so confusing. For these reasons, I don't think it's that good. There's much better books like this.

[Ayo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This teacher is my favroite author! There's no lesson untouched in her work! Get up on her, because she's up there with Morrison, Angelou, Hurston and other Phenomenal writers. Classic, She is!!!

[Sya · Rating 5 out of 5]

EPIC BOOK!!! In the league with the BOOK/MOVIE Roots & The Color Purple!!!! Just when you think you heard everything, BAM! Excellent twists & turns.

[Nardsbaby Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always More

Clora, the granddaughter of a slave and a slaveholder, can no long accept her life as a slave. And, as her mother did, she chooses to escape slavery by committing suicide. Unfortunately, her plan to poison her children failed. They survived and Clora's spirit narrates their story.

Always, Clora's oldest daughter, was darker than her siblings. Sun, her brother, and Peach, her sister, were able to pass for white to escape to a better life. Always endured the misery of slavery.

Despite being told she was nothing, Always continued to strive to make living the best she could. She learned how to read and how to work the land to make it prosperous for them all. She survived the Civil War, and lived to see the emancipation. Racism replaced slavery and humankind continued to suffer from its divisions.

"Family" was a pleasure to read. I've had this book on my shelf for far too many years. What I absolutely loved was the way in which Cooper weaved the bloodline. From one woman, readers saw all these different colors and nationalities. Despite what some may believe, we truly are one FAMILY.

Definitely a must read!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this book for an African American Lit class and loved it. The story is told from the voice of the mother who was a slave. One night, when everyone else was asleep, she took her kids out to the field behind the house and proceeded to poison them and herself. However, in an ill twist of fate, she is the only one who died so she spent the rest of their lives watching over them, telling each of their stories as the grew and experienced life without her.

This book is a tragic story in many ways but is still very worth the read, as is most anything by J. California Cooper.

[Twinky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended by a college professor who wasn't my instructor, but we shared a love for reading. Family was such a great book to read that opened all of your emotions, it made me smile and want to cry for the characters. In the end I was sad when the book ended and would love to have had a follow up book to Family to continue to track the lives of the characters.

[Msbossy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story of a slave woman and her “family”, Always, Peaches and Plum. Narrated by Clora, a spirit, mother of Always. Historical, somewhat, decent story.

What I learned:
Choose your children's names wisely.

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second J. California Cooper experience, and first novel by her. Like the short stories before it, this didn't disappoint. Clearly an extremely talented writer -- one I'm sorry wasn't on my radar sooner, but I'm happy to be experiencing now!

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me angry for all that people have suffered under the hands of folks with more power. But it was well written, with some wonderfully fulfilling plot twists! I finished it in a day.

[Crystal (Melanatedreader) Forte' · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now this was a story. Cooper can do no wrong.

[El · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story begins with Clora who was born directly into slavery. Her mother commits suicide leaving Clora to fend for herself, who is forced to birth and raise her own children under the same circumstances. She opts to take the same route as her mother, though tries to take her children with her. [Un:]Fortunately the children live, though Clora dies. The story is narrated through Clora and she tells the lives of her children and her children's children through her eyes, her wishes, her desires, her fears.

The first half of the story was hard for me to read because I felt I was rereading Toni Morrison's Beloved (hello - story about slavery told through the eyes of the deceased). Cooper does write a good story, but it was published so soon after Morrison's book I can't help she was perhaps riding Morrison's coattails, or at least hoping to do so.

I haven't read anything else by Cooper but understand she is known as a wonderful playwright. Family is her first novel, and it's a quick read (in length, not subject), and I could imagine this story being told on the stage if she adapted it as a play. The metaphors of bondage and slavery and repression are usually not subtle here, and often I was bugged by that as I felt then it became too heavy-handed.

Still, a good book with a beautiful message of - you got it - family.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to imagine a book about slavery in America and not come away repulsed by what you are shown, but this book gets away with it. Presented almost like a loving relative telling a rather lengthy fairy tale, the reader can absorb the horrors without the full depth of emotional trauma. Appreciation without devastation. While the goal is one of optimism, I question some of the author's positions on issues. For instance, especially toward the end, she seems to be stating how good it is for a black person to look white. Not just for acceptance in a white-dominated society, but because it's just better. She also ends emphasizing the power of love when what she shows throughout is more the power of persistence in making life better. However, neither of these take away some of the beauty of what is written. At one point, a main character acknowledges to her new husband that she has seen the scars of his abuse as a slave, and says, "I's gonna rub em down with my special linment." To which he replies, "Yo special limment is love. You done already rubbed me all over my heart and soul. My body be awright now." And so is the reader, in the end.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book many years ago. I actually did my final AP English presentation on Family. It is such a rich story. J. California Cooper is at her best a great story teller and this is an example of that. The language is lush and rich and immediately draws you in. Cooper tells the story of slavery through the eyes of a mother watching from above. I think that using this as the point of view was really clever. I think that this book is a great read and a quick read that I would especially recommend to a younger audience, though I think the story will connect with any reader.

[Darnella Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it! Cooper really brings you in to the African-American experience of slavery and survival during those horrific times.

[Zonaira · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful fictional memoir about the slaves of past times and the brutal details are just too sad. In this kind of reality however, we learn to be thankful and inspired both in equal measures.