'An American Marriage' author Tayari Jones is out with a new novel 'Kin'
In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day, author Tayari Jones discusses her new novel "Kin," which follows two girls growing up without their mothers in the Jim Crow South. The story explores how Vernice and Annie cope differently with maternal loss—one actively seeking a replacement mother figure while the other maintains an emotional distance—and examines the role of surrogate maternal figures in their lives.
The conversation delves into the historical context of the 1950s, including the impact of segregation on daily life in the fictional town of Honeysuckle, Louisiana, and the role of historically Black colleges in social mobility. Jones also shares insights about her writing process, including how conversations with her former Spelman advisor helped shape the novel's portrayal of Black women's educational experiences during this era.
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Navigating Maternal Loss in the Jim Crow South
Tayari Jones explores the stories of two girls, Vernice and Annie, growing up without their mothers in the Jim Crow South. While Vernice actively seeks a maternal replacement after her father kills her mother, Annie resists letting anyone fill her mother's role, metaphorically saving an empty seat at the dinner table for her absent mother.
Surrogate Mothers and Their Impact
The girls' surrogate maternal figures—Aunt Irene for Vernice and Granny for Annie—never fully step into the mother role. Jones discusses how communities often rely on child-free relatives to raise children, though these arrangements may not fulfill all emotional needs. A particularly significant moment occurs when Aunt Irene advises Niecy (Vernice) to "Never let a man kill you," wisdom that reverberates throughout her life.
Historical Context and Education
In the fictional town of Honeysuckle, Louisiana, segregation's legacy manifested in various ways, including a discriminatory postal system that required Black residents to collect mail from the post office rather than receive home delivery. Meanwhile, historically Black institutions like Spelman College played a crucial role in developing the Black middle class, despite students often working as maids in white households to afford tuition.
Tayari Jones' Writing Process
Jones reveals that her story evolved unexpectedly from a contemporary tale about gentrification into a 1950s narrative. Her research included valuable conversations with her 97-year-old former Spelman advisor, who shared insights about Black women students' experiences, including bringing her life savings in a stocking to pay for her education. These personal accounts, including those from a Shakespeare Ph.D. holder, added authenticity and depth to Jones' portrayal of life at historically Black colleges and universities.
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Actionables
- You can explore your family history by interviewing older relatives to understand their experiences and how they've shaped your community. Start by preparing a list of open-ended questions that encourage storytelling, such as asking about their childhood, education, and significant life events. Record these conversations if possible, and consider creating a family tree or a written memoir to preserve these stories for future generations.
- Create a book club focused on novels and stories set in historical contexts similar to those discussed, such as the Jim Crow South. This can foster a deeper understanding of the era and its impact on individuals. Choose a mix of fiction and non-fiction, and encourage members to share their insights and how the themes relate to current social issues.
- Volunteer with organizations that support educational opportunities for underrepresented communities. Look for local mentorship programs, scholarship funds, or after-school tutoring services that aim to bridge the gap in educational resources and support. Your involvement can make a tangible difference in the lives of students striving to overcome systemic barriers.
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Vernice and Annie's Relationships: Navigating Maternal Loss and Figures
Tayari Jones examines the lives of two girls, Vernice and Annie, who face the challenge of growing up without their mothers in the Jim Crow South. Their unique approaches to coping with their losses shape their relationships and their paths in life.
Vernice and Annie's Approaches To Filling the "Mother-Shaped Hole"
Vernice and Annie deal with their mother-shaped holes in different ways. Vernice actively seeks someone to fill the maternal role in her life after her mother is killed by her father, while Annie holds back, feeling that letting someone else fill her mother's shoes would be akin to cheating on her mother. Annie imagines saving a seat at a dinner table for her absent mother, unable to let go and allow a new maternal figure to take her place.
Impact of Maternal and Surrogate Figures on Vernice and Annie
Jones does not explicitly mention a statement from Aunt Irene telling Vernice, "Never Let a Man Kill You." Instead, Aunt Irene gives this advice to Niecy, a piece of wisdom that resonates throughout Niecy's life, especially when her future mother-in-law reassures her that her son does not pose a threat to Niecy's life. This reassurance lifts a quiet shadow over Niecy's life, a shadow cast by the societal fear that women harbor regarding harm from men.
Aunt Irene's Advice to Vernice: "Never Let a Man Kill You" Resonates
The advice "Don't ever let no man kill you" serves as a poignant reminder for Vernice (Niecy), echoing in her experiences with men and reflecting a universal concern among women about the potential for harm from male partners.
Granny's Distant, Less Engaged Approach to Mothering Annie
Jones comments on the role of found family and how these relationships can meet ...
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Vernice and Annie's Relationships: Navigating Maternal Loss and Figures
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Actionables
- You can explore the concept of chosen family by reaching out to a non-relative who has been supportive and expressing gratitude for their role in your life. This acknowledges the value of found family relationships and can strengthen emotional bonds, similar to how children without birth mothers may find support in other figures.
- Start a personal tradition that honors the memory of a lost loved one without hindering new relationships. For instance, if you've lost a parent, you might dedicate a special day each year to their memory through an activity they loved, allowing you to cherish their memory while still being open to new connections.
- Reflect on and write down t ...
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Historical and Social Context of the Jim Crow South, Setting Of Fictional Honeysuckle, Louisiana, and Experiences of Black Women at Hbcus Like Spelman
The town of Honeysuckle, Louisiana, is a fictional testament to the enduring legacy of segregation in the American South. The experiences of black residents and students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) like Spelman College shine a light on the injustices and resilience during this era.
Segregation's Legacy and Its Impact on Honeysuckle's Black Residents
Po Box System Blocks Black Residents From Home Mail Delivery, Other Segregation Examples
In Honeysuckle, a relic of segregation impacted daily life well into the 1970s as black residents were not permitted to have mail delivered directly to their homes. Instead, they had to walk about a mile to the post office to collect their mail. This Po Box system serves as an example of the numerous ways segregation policies permeated the everyday lives of black citizens, reinforcing institutionalized racism and segregation long after such laws were officially overturned.
Hbcus Like Spelman's Impact On Thriving Black Middle Class Despite Financial Struggles
Spelman Students in the 1940s-50s Working As Maids in White Households
Spelman College, a historically Bla ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Historical and Social Context of the Jim Crow South, Setting Of Fictional Honeysuckle, Louisiana, and Experiences of Black Women at Hbcus Like Spelman
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Actionables
- You can deepen your understanding of historical segregation by mapping out a "Day in the Life" scenario where you imagine navigating daily tasks under the constraints faced by the residents of Honeysuckle. For example, plan a day where you must walk a mile to retrieve your mail or access services, reflecting on the inconvenience and time lost, which can foster empathy and awareness of the challenges faced by segregated communities.
- Enhance your appreciation for HBCUs by researching and supporting Black-owned businesses founded by HBCU alumni. Start by identifying local or online businesses, purchasing their products or services, and sharing your findings with friends and family to highlight the economic impact of HBCUs and their graduates on the community.
- Create a persona ...
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Tayari Jones' Novel-Writing Approach, Influenced by Experiences and Advisor Interviews
Tayari Jones’ approach to writing reveals how unexpected shifts in a narrative focus can lead to meaningful insights into characters and settings based on historical realities. Her interactions with a former advisor from Spelman College added depth and perspective to her understanding of Black women students' experiences in history.
Jones' Unexpected Shift: A Modern Gentrification Tale Transforms Into a 1950s Story With Vernice and Annie
When author Tayari Jones set out to write about gentrification in the contemporary South, she encountered creative roadblocks that stymied the progress of her story. Embracing a sense of fluidity, Jones allowed herself to write freely without constraints, leading her to create two characters from the 1950s—whom she initially envisioned as the parents of her modern-day protagonists.
Jones' Process: "Tapping Into Something Older" and Trusting an Evolved Story
As she delved deeper into her newfound narrative, Jones realized the seeming backstory was surfacing as the central plot of her novel. She embraced a notion of tapping into an ancestral well, trusting the connections she felt with these emergent characters as a form of communication with something or someone unseen. By turning towards this development with faith rather than resistance, Jones permitted her story to organically transmute.
Interview Insights From Jones’ 97-year-Old Spelman Advisor on Black Women Students' Experiences
Jones' engagement with her past shaped her storytelling spectrum as w ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Tayari Jones' Novel-Writing Approach, Influenced by Experiences and Advisor Interviews
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can let your creative projects evolve by starting with a simple idea and allowing it to transform naturally over time. For instance, if you're writing a story, begin with a basic concept and as you write, let new characters or plots emerge without forcing them to fit a preconceived narrative. This could lead to discovering a more compelling story that resonates with you on a deeper level.
- Engage with elders or individuals from different generations to gain unique insights into past experiences that can inform your current projects. If you're working on a historical piece or looking to add authenticity to your work, reach out to family members, community elders, or use social platforms to connect with people who can share firsthand accounts of the times you're interested in. Their stories can provide a rich backdrop that adds depth and realism to your work.
- Embrace the unexpected in your daily life by journaling about unplanned ev ...
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1-Page Summary- Vernice and Annie's Relationships: Navigating Maternal Loss and Figures
- Historical and Social Context of the Jim Crow South, Setting Of Fictional Honeysuckle, Louisiana, and Experiences of Black Women at Hbcus Like Spelman
- Tayari Jones' Novel-Writing Approach, Influenced by Experiences and Advisor Interviews
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