A Million Aunties by Alecia McKenzie
A Million Aunties is a story that begins with Chris, who is an artist traveling to Jamaica for the first time as an adult to paint and try to forget his grief. His mother is from Jamaica, and his friend and art dealer, Stephen, encouraged him to visit. He was staying with Stephen's Aunt, who takes him around the village and introduces him to everyone. Chris visits his mother's childhood home, meets his uncle, and is given a look into his family history. After a week, Chris finds himself in love with the villagers and their lives. It is while he is getting used to the simplicity of village life that he is urgently called back to America to handle a difficult situation. Stephen saw how having his Aunt host Chris led to his healing. He formed the idea of turning his Aunt's home into a bed and breakfast for artists in need of a fresh perspective. While Stephen's Aunt is open to the idea, it will take a lot of work, time, and energy.
Is the village and its villagers ready to open their doors to new guests every month? Aunties aren't just people who are your relatives; they are anyone older than you that you have a lot of respect for and who shows up for you when you need them. It's a beautiful story that showcases the beauty of Caribbean culture and families. I felt the author did a great job of showing the reader what real community looks like, and I enjoyed it. We are reminded that everybody needs somebody.
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