The Seven Daughters of Dupree

By: Nikesha Elise Williams

Narrated by: Bahni Turpin

From the two-time Emmy Award–winning producer and host of the Black and Published podcast comes a sweeping multi-generational epic following seven generations of Dupree women as they navigate love, loss, and the unyielding ties of family in the tradition of Homegoing and The Love Songs of W.E.B. DuBois.

It’s 1995, and fourteen-year-old Tati is determined to uncover the identity of her father. But her mother, Nadia, keeps her secrets close, while her grandmother Gladys remains silent about the family’s past, including why she left Land’s End, Alabama, in 1953. As Tati digs deeper, she uncovers a legacy of family secrets, where every generation of Dupree women has posed more questions than answers.

From Jubi in 1917, whose attempt to pass for white ends when she gives birth to Ruby; to Ruby’s fiery lust for Sampson in 1934 that leads to a baby of her own; to the night in 1980 that changed Nadia’s future forever, the Dupree women carry the weight of their heritage. Bound by a mysterious malediction that means they will only give birth to daughters, the Dupree women confront a legacy of pain, resilience, and survival that began with an enslaved ancestor who risked everything for freedom.

The Seven Daughters of Dupree masterfully weaves together themes of generational trauma, Black women’s resilience, and unbreakable familial bonds. Echoing the literary power of The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis, Nikesha Elise Williams delivers a feminist literary fiction that explores the ripple effects of actions, secrets, and love through seven generations of Black women.

Wade in the water children

This was an amazing read. And the narrator was narrating bringing this book to a movie in my ears! Well done! Loved this. The authors format of this book was epic!

A walk down history lane

This book was well written taking us from the here and now to the past was woven together effortlessly. I was able to imagine myself living among our ancestors as the story was being told, also able to connect with Nadia and Tati as the bantered back and forth. Job well done!

Oral history of family lineage

I love the way the author highlighted how many Black people in America have at least maintained an oral history of their journey to this continent. Her research is evident in the many twists and turns in this story. On a side note, the university that Tati attends is the same one where my daughter is a rising senior—nice embellishment.

Captivating Read!

The Seven Daughters of Dupree was such a captivating read. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in just a day and a half! The story beautifully weaves family, history, and emotion into a powerful legacy that really stays with you. I’m so excited to read more from this author.

Great Book

I enjoyed the book. I love the socialization between the women and the soap operas about our relationships, hair care, and maintenance. It was very relatable and at times I felt as though I could have joined in. The authors’ ending was very graphic and brutal. I feel as though a message was sent and it was received. Perfect choice for a Black History month selection.