What Mother Never Told Me

Donna Hill

What Mother Never Told Me by Donna Hill delves into the life of Parris McKay, a young woman who, after the death of her estranged mother, learns of a hidden family legacy that spans generations. When Parris uncovers letters and photographs revealing her grandmother’s and great-grandmother’s lives, she is compelled to uncover the truth about her lineage. Traveling from New York to New Orleans, Parris explores the secrets and sacrifices that shaped her family’s past. Along the way, she discovers stories of love, betrayal, and resilience that define her family’s history, gaining insight into her mother’s complex choices and the bonds that connect them all.

Through Parris’s journey, What Mother Never Told Me explores themes of identity, heritage, and self-discovery, illustrating the significance of knowing one’s roots. Donna Hill masterfully weaves a narrative that spans decades, touching on social and cultural challenges that the women in Parris’s family faced, including race, class, and societal expectations. As Parris pieces together her family’s story, she finds strength in understanding her heritage and learns to embrace her own path with a renewed sense of purpose. This poignant novel captures the importance of family legacy and the healing that can come from understanding the past.