I had high expectations of this book. Elizabeth Acevedo has not missed for me yet. And although I think I also had a good time with this book, in the end, it was just average. Maybe the story was hindered, a bit, by the sheer numbers of main POV characters. Although I loved the themes of family joy and pain, I also wanted so much more.

I read this book awhile ago and I had a great time reading it. I think Acevedo has some of the prettiest, most attractive writing and I enjoyed everything that was put into the story. I had a little trouble keeping the characters straight but I think I should have written them down

3 stars.

I have wanted Elizabeth Acevedo to write an adult book for years, so when this was announced, I was ecstatic. As to be expected by an Acevedo book, the prose was very lush and gorgeous. I also continue to love her depictions of family, specifically between mother and daughter, as well as sisters. The relationships between each of the characters felt so layered and complicated. No two relationships felt the same. I also really like each other the women. It was very compelling to learn of their backgrounds and how they differed from each other. I also appreciate the discussions of female sensuality and how each woman had a different relationship with their sexuality.

I will say, I do wish that this was a bit longer or took place over a longer period of time. I feel like there were characters that we didn't get a lot of time with compared to others. The timeline as a whole got really confusing. There were moments were it was hard to tell when we were in the present or the past. I also would have liked if the women's abilities were showcased more, since some weren't really delved into. It would have been nice to get more of the characters' interpersonal relationships. It felt like we only really got to skim the surface, which was a shame because I think each of the women were so interesting in their own right. I think the most disappointing thing was after I finished this, I truly didn't think about it afterwards.

While this isn't my favorite of Elizabeth Acevedo's works, I do hope she continues to write adult books. I'm curious to see what others stories she tells in the future.

Thank you to Netgalley and Ecco for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.

3 stars!

This is my second book by Elizabeth Acevedo and I think unfortunately I'm finding she may not be the author for me. She draws me in with her premises and the sprinkle of magical realism, but I unfortunately can't connect to her writing or characters. I was excited for this multigenerational family saga story, but it was hard for me to keep track of everyone because it was a huge family. It was definitely a slow-paced book, which is okay, but in this instance I was just so bored. Unfortunately just not my book!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I absolutely adore Elizabeth Acevedo but unfortunately, this was a dnf for me. Family Lore has Acevedo's lush and lyrical writing but there were a variety of factors in my decision to not continue. Too much info dumping, too many alternating voices, magical realism and magical vaginas gone wrong... This just wasn't for me. I will continue to check out her future work.

I'm not sure this totally worked for me, but I'm just such a fan of Elizabeth Acevedo it's easy to find things to like here as she delves into the world of writing for adults. A touch of magical realism and a multigenerational family story. My one gripe is that there were so many characters I had a tough time keeping track of who was who.

I wanted to love this book. The characters were loveable, but I had a hard time keeping them straight. Also, the story moved pretty slow and was ultimatley a DNF for me.

This is different from Acevedo's other work. Her first foray into adult fiction and prose is interesting. The writing is slower, but I've found that to be true for most poets writing novels. You sink into the language. The interruptions in the text are brilliant. And the magic is exciting and refreshing.

This is a compelling family story with an intriguing premise. What would you do if you could predict your own death and those of people you care for? Bring them all together for one last gathering before you go?

Thanks to @eccobooks for an advance copy of Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo, which has been out now for some time and which I am shamefully just now getting to review!

I’m a big fan of Acevedo’s YA novels The Poet X and Clap When You Land, so I was very excited to hear she was coming out with an adult novel.

Family Lore is, at its core, a story about women: sisters, mothers, wives, and daughters (if you liked the dynamics of The Joy Luck Club or Homegoing, I think you’ll enjoy this!)

Brought together by Flora, who has decided to throw a living wake (and whose connection to death causes everyone to wonder what she isn’t saying), the sisters and their daughters reflect on their lives and relationships and the choices that have brought them from the DR to NYC.

While I did find one plot point pulling me out of the narrative (IYKYK), Acevedo is a gifted writer and I found myself highlighting so many turns of phrase and moments where her words had my heart in my throat:

“You taught me: all of us are magic wrapped in skin. And taut with over-wrought wonder, for the fleeting time we are beings, we would have to make her up: the woman we require to survive this world.”

Thank you so much to the Publisher for sending me a copy of this book! I am a big fan of Elizabeth Acevedo’s books so I was extremely excited to read this book! I was not disappointed at all! This is one of the best books I have read in a long time! I loved this family and the characters! Elizabeth is a writer of a lifetime!

I unfortunately could not get into this one because the writing style didn't hook me. However, I believe this was covered by someone else on the FBC podcast or blog.

I previously read Acevedo's YA writing and thoroughly enjoyed it, so I went into this one very excited about a novel marketed for adults. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this one as much as I thought I would. I think that others will certainly enjoy the story, but this one wasn't for me.

This novel hooked me from the beginning and I was intrigued by the story throughout. My main critique is that on audio, it was often hard to follow who was narrating and for the middle half I found myself less invested. Picked back up at the end. overall, 3.5 stars

This has been my least favorite of Acevedo's works. I love her writing style and the storyline was interesting. I noticed on my previous reviews of her works that every single one was 5 stars. This was 3. I'm not sure if I am judging it based on my fan girling her previous work or that it just didn't measure up to the standard that I wanted. The sisters are interesting and I loved thinking about their gifts and the next generation and how they all relate. It's worthwhile to read but it won't stay with me like her previous work.

I have to say that I don't think this was a bad book, I just don't think it was me. I had a hard time keeping up with the multiple POV's. However, Elizabeth Acevedo is clearly a talented writer.

Family Lore is written in a new style for Acevedo, but her family storytelling is as incredible as always!

I am a big fan of Elizabeth Acevedo. I’ve read multiple books by her and I had high hopes for Family Lore. I was happy to get exactly what I was hoping for. Acevedo has a great way of getting the reader invested in the stories of every character.

"Family Lore" by Elizabeth Acevedo is a captivating exploration of heritage, identity, and the intricate tapestry of family stories. Acevedo's lyrical prose effortlessly weaves together the past and present, inviting readers to delve into the complexities of familial bonds and the power of storytelling. With rich characters and evocative imagery, this novel is a poignant reminder of the importance of understanding where we come from and how it shapes who we are. Acevedo's narrative mastery shines through in every page, making "Family Lore" a must-read for anyone who appreciates the beauty of intergenerational tales and the enduring legacy of family.

Another good outing from one of the best at what she does. This weaving tale of family lore is a great one. I highly recommend it.