The great thing about multigenerational novels is that 9 times out of 10, they have elements of true history embedded in them. You get a great story of fiction and at the same time, learn a good deal of the history behind the societies we see today. Below are 5 of my all time favorite multigenerational stories- from South Korea to Vietnam to Uganda, there is something for everyone.

“Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee (2017)

A marvelous, deeply engrossing story of bravery, and strength which starts in Busan, Korea and ends in Yokohama, Japan. Pachinko is a sweeping story which spans the entire 20th century.
It follows 4 generations of a Korean family through political turmoil of Japanese colonialism, wartime, and xenophobia. I knew very little about Korean history going into this but the author does a great job of teaching readers a vital part of history that is oft ignored.

The characterization of “Pachinko” is incredible, and these characters felt alive. 500 pages I devoured and years later, it remains one of my favorite novels. Check out my review here.

‘History has failed us, but no matter.’

Min Jin Lee from Pachinko

“The Love Songs of W.E.B Du Bois” by Honoree Fanonne Jeffers (2021)

This novel is 800 pages of a sweeping epic that carries us through centuries of the slave trade through the American Civil War to current times. It starts in present times- Ailey embarks on a journey to discover her family’s history in a bid to find her sense of self. In the process, she uncovers shocking tales of her ancestors in the Deep South.
This book is challenging, and demands your attention. It is a reminder that the past cannot be removed from the present; both so intimately intertwined that to influence the present, you must confront the past. I enjoyed every bit of this and even wanted more!

“Kintu” by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi (2018)

Kintu is a creative and imaginative piece of storytelling. The novel consists of 6 independent yet interconnected sections. Our tale begins when a man is violently killed by a mob and this triggers a curse that spans several generations.

The author take us through how this curse affects each generation in different ways, and ultimately, Kintu is a masterpiece of African folklore.
It is a dense novel with troubled characters and a distinctive narration that reminds me of China Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart.” It is a difficult novel to read, with many characters to keep track of, but ultimately, it is very rewarding.

“Peach Blossom Spring” by Melissa Fu (2022)

This follows a Chinese family, fleeing Japanese occupation and war. Their search for home takes them from China to Taiwan and finally, America. And yet, it doesn’t end there. Their search for home is tumultuous filled with sorrow and despair, and yet, they find solace in a beautifully painted scroll telling ancient fables.

The characters are well-written and the author keeps you invested in their journey. It tells an important part of Chinese history that’s everyone needs to know.

“The Mountains Sing” by Nguyen Phan Que Mai (2020)

This novel tells the story of the Trân family in the face of the Viet Nam war. It is a incredible body of work made of rigorous research, and gripping, vivid sentences that paint a tale so sorrowful yet necessary. The author brings to life the human costs of war from the perspective of the Viet people.

The power of “The Mountains Sing” lies in the fact that, as fiction, it does does nonfiction cannot- it forges empathy with these characters. It is brimming with humanity and I’m grateful for stories like these. Check out my review here

‘If our stories survive, we will not die, even when our bodies are no longer here on this earth.’

Nguyen Phan Que Mai from ‘The Mountains Sing’