Description

Caul Baby

Morgan Jerkins, a New York Times bestselling author, makes her foray into fiction with an irresistible novel that is sure to resonate with admirers of Ta-Nehisi Coates and Jacqueline Woodson.

This compelling narrative covers the intricate dynamics of a remarkable and mysterious family, weaving a rich tapestry filled with secrets, betrayal, intrigue, and an element of magic that enhances the story’s depth. The novel promises to engage readers with its exploration of complex relationships and the hidden truths that bind individuals together.

At the heart of the story is Laila, a woman whose fervent desire to become a mother has been marred by the sorrow of previous miscarriages. Determined to change her fate, she seeks the assistance of the Melancon family, a venerable lineage from Harlem renowned for their unique caul, a rare membrane that is believed to bestow extraordinary healing abilities.

However, when Laila’s hopes are dashed after a crucial deal for a piece of caul falls apart, her world is further shattered by the stillbirth of her child, plunging her into a profound abyss of grief and anger. Unbeknownst to her, fate has a different plan, as her niece Amara, a driven college student, is about to deliver a child to the Melancon, a girl named Hallow who possesses the coveted caul.

As Hallow grows up, she grapples with a sense of disconnection and questions her identity, pondering whether Josephine, the woman she knows as her mother, is truly her biological parent. Her life is marked by restrictions, contrasting sharply with her cousin Helena’s freedom to explore the vibrant streets of New York City.

Meanwhile, Amara, now a successful attorney with ambitions of becoming district attorney, harbors a desire for revenge against the Melancon family, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation. When mother and daughter intersects, Hallow is faced with a pivotal choice about her true place in the world. The novel, Caul Baby, is a profound exploration of the quest for familial bonds, the weight of tradition, and the complexities of the human experience.

Morgan Jenkins

About The Author

Morgan Jerkins has established herself as a prominent voice in contemporary literature, particularly with her acclaimed work, This Will Be My Undoing: Living at the Intersection of Black, Female, and Feminist in (White) America, which has achieved New York Times bestseller status. Her upcoming book, Wandering In Strange Lands: A Daughter of the Great Migration Reclaims Her Roots, promises further to showcase her insightful exploration of identity and heritage, reflecting her deep engagement with the complexities of race and gender in America.

Jerkins is an accomplished academic, having earned her degree from Princeton University and further honing her craft at the Bennington Writing Seminars. Her professional journey includes her current role as Senior Editor at ZORA, a publication on Medium that focuses on the experiences and narratives of women of color. Previously, she served as an Associate Editor at Catapult, where she contributed to developing diverse literary voices, demonstrating her commitment to fostering inclusive writing.

Along with her editorial work, Jerkins is dedicated to education, teaching at Columbia University’s School of the Arts, where she inspires the next generation of writers. Her recent appointment as the Picador Professor at Leipzig University in Germany highlights her international influence and the global relevance of her work. Through her writing and teaching, Jerkins continues to challenge societal norms and encourage critical conversations about race, gender, and identity, making her a significant figure in contemporary discourse.