The Twelve Tribes of Hattie

It is 1925, in Philadelphia an inexperienced and terrified seventeen year old Hattie Shepherd desperately tries to keep her pneumatic twin babies alive.

The doctor's medicine is not working and neither are steam treatments or hot mustard poultices. As she watches her tiny children die Hattie's heart is irrevocably broken. For her nine following children the aftermath of this tragedy is felt deeply as Hattie directs all her love into keeping them alive. This constant battle leaves no room for sentiment or affection, which is the one thing they all crave. Through her children's eyes we see Hattie's never ending hardships as she fights against extreme poverty, hunger, an adulterous husband, homesickness and shame.

The Twelve Tribes of Hattie is an incredible tale spanning six decades of American history. Every chapter is told from a different child's perspective and through them we experience the racism of the Jim Crow era, the difficulties faced by homosexuals in the 40s, the power of religion, sexual abuse, war and madness. Despite their flaws each protagonist is depicted with heartbreaking tenderness as their thoughts constantly refer back to their mother. Although these children cannot see it, the reader will realise that every decision this strong woman makes is motivated by an almost overwhelming love for each of her babies and an utter devotion to keeping all of them alive. A stunning beautiful story of love, sorrow, family and hope.