These Ghosts Are Family

These Ghosts Are Family follows multiple generations of a Jamaican family across two centuries, centering on a man who decades ago stole his friend's identity and created a new life in America. The story moves between Jamaica and New York City, exploring the ripple effects of this deception across time. The narrative spans from the 1700s to the present day, incorporating elements of Jamaican folklore and history while connecting various family members' experiences. Through interconnected stories, the novel examines how choices and secrets impact subsequent generations. The book reveals the complex dynamics between husbands and wives, parents and children, and siblings as they grapple with identity, belonging, and inheritance. Card's multi-layered story structure allows each character's perspective to illuminate different aspects of the family's shared history. These Ghosts Are Family examines themes of migration, colonialism, and the ways both historical trauma and family bonds transcend generations. The novel raises questions about how the past shapes identity and whether redemption is possible in the face of long-buried truths.

Readers found the book's multi-generational structure both ambitious and challenging to follow. Many noted the complex family relationships and timeline jumps required concentration. Liked: - Rich portrayal of Jamaican culture and history - Strong character development, particularly of female characters - Effective exploration of family secrets and inheritance - Vivid descriptions of Jamaica and New York settings Disliked: - Confusing narrative structure with too many character perspectives - Unresolved plot threads - Pacing issues, especially in the middle sections - Some supernatural elements felt disconnected from main story Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (2,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.0/5 (230+ ratings) Common reader comments mention the book requires full attention to track relationships and time periods. One reviewer noted: "Beautiful writing but I needed a family tree to keep track." Another stated: "The ghost stories added depth but sometimes felt like a different book entirely."

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🌺 The author drew from her own experiences working as a public librarian in Queens, NY, incorporating elements of genealogical research into the novel's structure. 🏝️ The book's portrayal of colonial Jamaica was inspired by real historical events, including the Christmas Rebellion of 1831, led by Sam Sharpe against British plantation owners. 📚 "These Ghosts Are Family" was named one of the most anticipated books of 2020 by Electric Literature, The Millions, and The Rumpus. 🌴 The novel's unique structure includes thirty-five distinct voices across eight generations, spanning from 1798 to the present day. 🏆 Author Maisy Card was born in Jamaica but moved to New York as a child, and this dual cultural identity significantly influenced the novel's exploration of immigrant experiences and cultural displacement.