Family Spirit - by Diane McKinney-Whetstone (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Diane McKinney-Whetstone's latest character-rich, page-turner blends her signature style with a little magic in her depiction of the Maces, a vibrant family of Philadelphia clairvoyants with issues.

Ayana has inherited the Knowing gene that the Maces believe have been passed down to at least one girl child in every generation from as far back as they can trace. But her mother has tried to convince her that she is nothing like those weird Mace women. To keep the peace, Ayana lies to everyone--to the Maces, insisting she's never felt a Knowing, to her mother about participating in the rituals, and to herself about her relationship with a man who helps her recover time and time again from the mania she experiences after seeing into the future. Ayana's aunt Lil, banned from the Mace home decades ago after violating a sacred vow, has returned to Philadelphia for a medical procedure. She settles into the chaos of her brother's home where Ayana, a failing college senior, has also returned.

After a harrowing premonition, Ayana must decide whether to deepen family schisms by enlisting her aunt's help, even as she learns the shocking details of Lil's breech.

Meanwhile Nona, becomes more of a participant than creator as her own drama is deftly interspersed throughout, as she too yields to the power of the Mace family and its indomitable spirit.

Review Quotes

"McKinney-Whetstone's trademark poetic prose is still as sharp as it has always been...without sacrificing plot and pacing.... I couldn't be happier that McKinney-Whetstone has returned to show us all how it's done." - Washington Post on Lazaretto
"As in any Diane McKinney-Whetstone novel, there is love in all of its many facets and dimensions. The author shows that good writing is like a fine bottle of wine-it just gets better with time." - Essence on Lazaretto
"Even the air is palpable. . . . The story moves forth on the power of [the] characters. Ms. McKinney-Whetstone captures the formidable struggle to protect both a community and a family." - New York Times Book Review on Tumbling
"Family Spirit blooms with life and overflows with characters so much like people we know and teases us with a hint of magic. McKinney-Whetstone's skill with imagery and imagination remains her hallmark and is on full display in her latest novel" - Acclaimed author Donna Hill
"Diane McKinney-Whetstone has gathered my favorite story ingredients and stitched them into an engaging tale. From where I sit (book in one hand, iced tea glass in the other) Ayana, Lil and Nona, are the queens of this narrative. Thank you, Diane." - Sheila Williams, author of No Better Time
"Family Spirit is a beautifully written exploration of intergenerational power and longing. Diane McKinney-Whetstone's fascinating premise and sure-handed storytelling will put readers under a spell." - Tananarive Due, author of The Reformatory (Los Angeles Times Book Prize winner)
"Sparkles with authenticity . . . a vibrant look into the power and spirituality of a multigenerational Black family." - Kirkus Reviews
"McKinney-Whetstone explores legacy, intuition, and family through her lyrical prose and vivid characters...a thoughtful and beautifully told novel with both emotional depth and a touch of the uncanny." - Brittney Cray, Booklist
Crisp, detailed prose makes every story line feel lived-in and real, with a particular highlight being the complex but realistic family dynamics and dialogue. This layered fantasy feels almost fairy tale-esque, comfortable and cozy in its own mythology. - Publishers Weekly
"Overall, the novel is a story about women, about growing up, and about owning the person one can become. Magic is there, but it's not too prevalent. And if you enjoy stories that make writing as a craft evident, then you'll have fun with this one."
- Adriana Acevedo, Metastellar