The Twelve Tribes of Hattie Book Summary

In 'The Twelve Tribes of Hattie,' Ayana Mathis weaves the poignant story of Hattie Shepherd, an African American matriarch in early 20th century America. As she navigates the trials of motherhood amid the backdrop of the Great Migration, her struggles echo through her twelve children, each representing a unique path and destiny. The narrative unfolds across decades, exploring themes of resilience, love, and the unbreakable bonds of family. With each chapter, readers discover the rich tapestry of Hattie's life and the lingering effects of her choices. Can the legacy of one woman transcend her trials and shape the future of her children?

By Ayana Mathis

Published: 2012

""We are shaped by the choices we make, and the weight of those choices can carry across generations, echoing in the lives we touch and the legacies we leave behind.""

Book Review of The Twelve Tribes of Hattie

Traces the story of Great Migration-era mother Hattie Shepherd, who in spite of poverty and a dysfunctional husband uses love and Southern remedies to raise nine children and prepare them for the realities of a harsh world. A first novel.

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"We are shaped by the choices we make, and the weight of those choices can carry across generations, echoing in the lives we touch and the legacies we leave behind."

The Twelve Tribes of Hattie

By Ayana Mathis