Acclaimed author Tayari Jones recently spoke with PEOPLE about her latest historical fiction novel, “Kin”, set for release on 24 February. The novel has garnered the prestigious distinction of being selected for Oprah’s Book Club, underscoring Jones’ ongoing impact in the literary community.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Kin-by-Tayari-Jones-022326-1-b58b3de402c14c08a1b1f49c76f23247.jpg)
Jones, who achieved considerable success with her previous work, “An American Marriage”, expressed mixed feelings about her creativity in the years following that novel’s acclaim. “An American Marriage” portrayed the devastating effects of wrongful incarceration on a couple and won the 2019 Women’s Prize for Fiction, as well as being featured in President Barack Obama’s list of favourite reads. However, Jones admitted to fears that her creative well had run dry, stating, “I don’t know that I necessarily believe that one’s creativity is infinite.”
The writing process for “Kin” proved unexpectedly transformative for Jones. Initially contracted to write a contemporary narrative, she found herself exploring a story set in the 1950s instead. “I think that writing novels is not dissimilar to the experience of being in love,” she mused, reflecting on how her creative decisions emerged organically rather than being contrived.
“Kin” follows the lives of two childhood friends, Annie and Vernice, as they navigate adulthood in the fictional town of Honeysuckle, Louisiana, during the Jim Crow era. Their differing choices lead to diverging paths, with Annie leaving their hometown for a new life and Vernice attending Spelman College, where her experiences route her into a new socio-economic reality.
The genesis of “Kin” can be traced back to Jones’ return to Atlanta, where she grew up, and began listening to the stories shared by the local elders. “My mother doesn’t tell me anything, but she has given me little breadcrumbs,” she said, highlighting how these fragments allowed her imagination to weave compelling narratives. Jones feels a deep responsibility as a writer of colour, acknowledging the pressure to tell stories that have seldom been represented. She contemplates the generational importance of sharing personal stories: “Somebody at some point has to tell it, because… the person experiencing something in real time has something unique to offer.”
Her experiences as a student at Spelman College also greatly influenced “Kin”. The novel is suffused with the legacy of the college, particularly marked by the appointment of its first Black woman president, Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole, during Jones’ first year. This milestone reflects the rich, untold stories of historically Black colleges and their role in nurturing a Black middle class in America—a history Jones sought to honour in her latest work.
Switching to historical fiction marked a departure from Jones’ earlier commitment to contemporary narratives. Nonetheless, she acknowledged that many themes in “Kin”, including racism and reproductive rights, remain relevant today. Jones views her current work as a continuation of pertinent discussions she has explored in her past books, such as “Silver Sparrow” and “Leaving Atlanta”.
Reflecting on the pressure that comes with replicating past successes, Jones found writing “Kin” to be a liberating experience. She explained, “I feel like this book just kind of rubbed my face in all of my ideas about who I am as a writer.” Sharing her journey through creativity without fear of failure has reaffirmed her dedication to storytelling, as she recalls earlier years before accolades and recognition.
As she contemplates the future, Jones believes that the role of an author has evolved but still possesses the power to spark meaningful conversations about complex societal issues. “You make a difference, but it’s a modest difference,” she said, recognising how the impact of writers has shifted alongside societal changes. Yet, her mission—to utilise narrative as a medium for exploring and expressing cultural truths—remains unwavering.
For Jones, the joy of storytelling remains at the heart of her writing process. “If you’re writing for an ego point of view, you’re going to be an unhappy person,” she notes, emphasising that artistic fulfilment fosters a more rewarding experience. “If you go into it from an artistic point of view and take the pleasure in the making of the art, it’ll never let you down.”
“Kin” is now available at booksellers, and Jones will embark on a promotional book tour starting on 17 March. Further information can be sourced through her official website, allowing readers and fans alike to engage with her compelling new work.