Tara Roberts: Diving for Stories

Alice Walker's 'The Temple of My Familiar' explores themes of identity, history, and the interconnectedness of human experience through multiple narratives and characters. The novel delves into past lives, reincarnation, and the ancestral connections that shape individual destinies. The story challenges conventional notions of race, gender, and sexuality, advocating for a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of humanity. Walker weaves together diverse voices and perspectives to create a rich tapestry of stories that span continents and centuries. Through the characters' journeys, the book examines the complexities of relationships, the search for meaning, and the power of storytelling to heal and transform.

In 'The Mists of Avalon', Marion Zimmer Bradley reimagines the Arthurian legend through the eyes of key female figures such as Morgaine (Morgan le Fay), Gwenhwyfar (Guinevere), Viviane, Morgause, and Igraine. The novel explores the conflict between the old pagan religions and the rising influence of Christianity in Britain. Morgaine, a priestess of the Mother Goddess, is the central character, and her story spans generations, detailing her training in Avalon, her relationships, and her battles to preserve the pagan way of life. The book also delves into the complex love triangles and the political and spiritual upheavals of the time, offering a nuanced and feminist perspective on the traditional Arthurian tale.

Gloria Naylor's 'Mama Day' is a novel set on Willow Springs, an island off the coast of Georgia, where the residents retain a unique connection to their African heritage and the supernatural. The story revolves around Mama Day, an elderly matriarch with mystical powers, and the challenges faced by the island community. The novel explores themes of tradition, folklore, and the clash between rural and urban values. When Cocoa, a young woman from the island, brings her troubled relationship with George to Willow Springs, the community's beliefs and Mama Day's powers are put to the test. The book delves into the complexities of love, faith, and the enduring strength of African American culture.

In 'A Wrinkle in Time,' Madeleine L'Engle tells the story of 13-year-old Meg Murry, who is struggling to fit in at school and is deeply concerned about her father's mysterious disappearance. Along with her brother Charles Wallace and friend Calvin O'Keefe, Meg is guided by the enigmatic Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which on a journey through space and time to find her father. Using a process called tessering, they travel to various planets, including Uriel and Camazotz, to confront the evil force known as The Black Thing. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, conformity, and the power of love and family bonds.