Eleven years after The Twelve Tribes of Hattie became a global sensation, translated into sixteen languages, Ayana Mathis offers another family portrait. The Unsettled is a story about a multi-generational black family who are estranged from one another and carry the painful freight of the past.
The story opens in an uncomfortable place. Ava Carson and her ten-year-old son Toussaint are forced to find residence in a Philadelphia homeless shelter after Ava’s violent husband Abemi Reed kicks Ava out the house. Shaken and feeling betrayed, Ava gropes through her new life while suffering from headaches, depression, and despair. Her distaste for the shelter’s feeble attempt at normalcy fill her with contempt. It’s a reminder of her own mother who she blames for her hardships.
Hundreds of miles away Dutchess lives on a rutted red dirt road fighting off developers from the Progress Corp who want her land, the last thousand acres left. During the twentieth century, Bonaparte, Alabama- whose placard reads Negro Incorporated Town, established 1868- was sold off, one farm plot after another, or as the locals saw it, taken by “white folk’s thieveries”. Dutchess sneers at the numerous attempts to drive her out. Besides, what would Caro think? Her deceased husband, a furniture maker, was murdered by whites on the very earth the developers want to raze.
Anger is a waste of energy for lethargic Ava who has not looked for a job in weeks and is nearing eviction from the shelter. Out of choices, Ava tells Toussaint they are going to Bonaparte even though it’s been years since she has laid eyes on her mother. But Ava is left with no alternative. Uninterested in finding employment and living in a place where roaches are stomped out of mattresses, she is out of options.
But before Ava could return home to Bonaparte with Toussaint, she stumbles upon Toussaint’s father, a reformed alcoholic with a fiery rhetoric of self-improvement. When Ava encounters Cassius Wright he is preaching to the lost, challenging men to give up their alcohol. He bellows to a crowd about his once prurient habit. “Chivas and Cutty Sark and Crown Royals could fix anything. But only for the night, that was the catch.”
Four months later Ava and Toussaint are a part of Cass’s cultish fellowship called Ark with its strict manifesto and dietary and behavioral rules. They live with him at 248 Ephraim in companion with other families who adhere to the fellowship.
Mesmerized by Cass Wright, Toussaint both inhales and exhales his father’s climatic energy. Mathis describes the hero-worship liturgically: “…mostly he watched his father’s body because there was power in it, and the power was something to believe in and something to be like.” It is Cass’s violence that raises the tension of the story projecting quietly something tragic may happen.
As the tension between Ava and Cass accrues into relational damage, Toussaint escapes by writing. He finds his grandmother’s Bonaparte address and introduces himself. Dutchess is excited to hear from him and records tapes and sends them to Toussaint reflecting on her life as a blues singer, and what if felt like loving her deceased husband Caro. Dutchess’s language is salty and inappropriate but appropriate just the same because grandparents give their children history and wings, they allow them to fly in a straight line instead of circles when their present world is bleak and inescapable.
I read Ayanna Mathis first novel “The Twelve Tribes of Hattie” a story about adult children who resent their mother while also being a personal story about the Great Migration. “The Unsettled” feels similar but more contemporary, and sadder because Mathis layers within the mother-daughter dynamic partner violence, female submission, toxic masculinity, and thievery. Creating a larger social map, Mathis threads a fictional story with current events such as the ongoing fight of rural black families in southern states to keep their ancestral land from developers and the suffering of the homeless. There is also mention of Frank Rizzo, Philadelphia’s notoriously racist mayor that adds gravity to Ava’s story of hardship in 1980s Philadelphia.
I was moved by The Unsettled and by Ava whose pathos had seeped into me midway through the novel. The story, at times, was fraught with tension because of the impulsivity of its characters and the interpretation thereof that the financially fraught act hastily. Nevertheless, the story is sensitive in the way a family story can be. Mathis has an acute understanding that touching the wound doesn’t water down optimism, it gives birth to it. It is imperfect people that surround us in our families. Their love for one another and us may not erase the petty grievances of the past but compromise, forgiveness, and common ground- most notably children- cuts through distance, pain, and lingering bad blood.

loved, loved this book! So glad this author wrote another novel that delved into many different categories and so happy to have read this!

The Unsettled, a story about a mother and her son trying to survive in poverty-stricken Philadelphia in the 1980s, certainly left me that way. Unsetteled. This is not a feel good story and is full of pain and desperation and the upheaval of leaving one abusive relationship only to land in another. Although well written, it is mostly a character driven story, however I had a difficult time connecting with either Ava or Toussaint. There is no doubt that Ava loved her son, however her life choices made me question whether or not she should have continued to have custody over her son. As for Toussaint, I felt bad for the loss of potential in such a smart boy who is dragged down by his family and circumstances, but had trouble truly connecting with him.

I could definitely see this piece being taught in a future black literature class, as it captures mental illness and poverty extremely well. For me personally, it was a just a bit too sad and depressing. Recommended for fans of Toni Morrison and Hanya Yanagihara.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ayana Mathis, and Knopf for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

The pacing was hard for me in this one, and of course given the subject and events in the book, it was unsettling.

Free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

There is something about a multi-generational novel that draws me in right away. The book is aptly titled as the characters are all unsettled, both literally and figuratively.

The story begins in Philadelphia with Ava, a Black mother, and her son, Toussaint, searching for shelter after leaving her abusive husband. Both are dealing with their own trauma and trying to navigate the system that isn’t designed to help them at all. Meanwhile, we have another storyline from Ava’s mother, Dutchess, who is one of the last Black residents of Bonaparte, AL. White developers are encroaching and threatening to take their land and destroy the legacy of their families.

The story unfolds slowly and felt a bit uneven, but still kept me interested. Ava’s character felt so honest, raw and authentic. Her desire to provide a home for her son where he can feel safe was heart wrenching. I appreciate Mathis’ inclusion of historical events that occurred during the 1980s. The Ark, the cult like group led by Toussaint’s father, is very similar to MOVE, a Black activist group founded in Philadelphia that resulted in repeated conflicts with law enforcement, including a 1985 bombing by the police that resulted in many injuries and deaths.

We watch this family try and try again, broken apart by a broken system, separated by distance, driven to feel safe, seen and loved. Don’t miss this emotional story. Out now!

I LOVED The Twelve Tribes of Hattie and I was so excited to meet the author and get this book at ALA and on NetGalley simultaneously! This book did not disappoint with characters that were so vivid and gorgeously described they will stick with you for a long while. We meet Ava and her mother who, despite being in different places in the world, are both strong women but the title definitely reflects their state of being. We also meet Toussaint, Ava’s son is her main motivation as she tries to find a steady home and life for them. This book will leave you unsettled and thinking for a long time.

3.5⭐️

<i> From the moment Ava Carson and her ten-year-old son, Toussaint, arrive at the Glenn Avenue family shelter in Philadelphia 1985, Ava is already plotting a way out. She is repulsed by the shelter's squalid conditions: their cockroach-infested room, the barely edible food, and the shifty night security guard. She is determined to rescue her son from the perils and indignities of that place, and to save herself from the complicated past that led them there. </i>

Unsettled started strong but soon became a bit disjointed and meandering. It began as a very personal story about the spiraling effects of sudden poverty, providing a window into the many dehumanizing elements found in the system. What could have been an important social commentary then got lost as the story began to jump around in time, place, and perspective- at which point I became confused both on what was going on, and what the point was. Mixed feelings on this read.

Thank you Ayana Mathis, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

I have two words for you...

Bahni Turpin.

Yes, Turpin narrates the audio and I know you won't be shocked to hear that she does a phenomenal job.

Brief Summary
The Unsettled a searing multi-generational novel—set in the 1980s in racially and politically turbulent Philadelphia and in the tiny town of Bonaparte, Alabama—about a mother fighting for her sanity and survival.

This book is really Ava's story -- you get pieces of her growing up in Bonaparte with her mother Duchess, and you get her present, in Philadelphia with her son Toussaint. They struggle. The book opens with them checking into a shelter and it had me thinking about Invisible Child by Andrea Elliot. While Ava may not always make the best decisions, she is real, and author, Ayana Mathis does a remarkable job making Ava jump off of the page and into the reader's heart.

Thank you to @netgalley for this complimentary reading copy and also @prhaudio for the audiobook which to me, is 100% the way to go with this one.
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Rounded up from 2.5 stars. Ayana Mathis writes beautifully and I enjoyed the first half or so of this book. I felt invested in the characters but as the book went on I just stopped caring. It became a bit of a slog for me and I had to force myself to finish it. I read her first book and I don't remember loving it. I don't think I will read another book of hers.

A great new novel by Ayana Mathis! I was very invested in the fate of Ava and her son and did not want to put the book down. This is a book that makes you think and and feel for the characters. It is a novel I will not forget.

You close a book and you think how did it impact me? Was it an amusement? Was it an escape from the hum drum everyday? Was it an exercise in clever wordsmIthing? Did it teach me something? I cannot say what another reader will take away from this excellent book but for me it was another look at how a cult takes hold. Take a charismatic figure, add a cause (be it religious, political, or in this case racial), start out with righteousness on your side, and the ground is fertile for corruption of the original intent that enticed those who signed on. The beauty of this book is that it keeps a reader deeply engaged with the author’s story while addressing some of the concerns of life today.

Special thanks to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.


First I'm sorry to say, I couldnt connect with the writing style of this book. The story felt very disconnected for me and a little too drawn out. I couldn't connect with the characters. I'm a mother, so in some ways I could connect to Ava, mother of Toussaint, her son who is about to be a full teenager. While trying to protect him at all costs, did she ever really make a good life for him, after being kicked out and penniless, only to live amongst cockroaches and filth. I did like the truth of the way our society treats those of us that have it hard, that much is true.

Then the story travels back to Ava's mother, Duchess. A couple of parts were disjointed and not explained. Like who was having sex with the security guard in the facility they stayed in, Ava or someone else, or was it a wishful experience in her mind.

This book deals with poverty, abandonment, gritty conditions, abuse of how women are treated but I think this book may be liked, especially by mothers, or those who have been in poverty before. I just couldn't make it all work for me.

This was an interesting read. A slow burn but, the story was very. The characters were relatable. I would recommend this book.

"The Unsettled" by Ayana Mathis is a searing and multi-generational novel that delves into complex themes of family, race, love, and the struggle for survival. Set against the backdrop of racially and politically turbulent 1980s Philadelphia and the town of Bonaparte, Alabama, this novel presents a powerful narrative that resonates deeply with the reader.

The story primarily revolves around Ava Carson and her ten-year-old son, Toussaint, as they navigate the harsh realities of homelessness and poverty in Philadelphia. From the moment they arrive at the Glenn Avenue family shelter, Ava is determined to find a way out of their dire circumstances. Mathis portrays the squalid conditions of the shelter, the challenges of their daily life, and the complex characters they encounter with unflinching realism.

Ava's character is a central focus, and her desire to protect her son and break free from the painful past that led them to this point is palpable. The strained relationship between Ava and her estranged mother, Dutchess, adds layers of emotional complexity to the narrative. Mathis skillfully explores the bonds and conflicts between mothers and daughters, as well as the enduring impact of generational trauma.

The novel also introduces Cass, Toussaint's father, a charismatic figure with radical beliefs about dismantling systems of racial injustice. Cass's presence in Ava and Toussaint's life brings both hope and turmoil, and the ideological struggle between his vision and Ava's desire for stability is a central conflict.

In parallel, the story unfolds in Bonaparte, Alabama, where Dutchess fights to preserve the town's history and land in the face of encroaching white developers. This subplot highlights the ongoing battle for Black self-determination and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Mathis's prose is evocative and emotionally charged, drawing readers into the hearts and minds of the characters. The narrative is not only a gripping exploration of personal struggles but also a reflection on the broader societal issues of race and inequality.

"The Unsettled" is a profound and thought-provoking work that tackles pressing social issues with empathy and insight. Ayana Mathis's storytelling prowess shines through in this poignant and vital novel, making it a must-read for those seeking a deep and impactful literary experience.

The premise of this book was super intriguing to me, but I’m doing what I never do and DNF’ing at 20%. I’m sure this is a great story, but I could feel the writing style would put me in a reading slump. I love multiple POV, but this felt very jarring. I found it hard to determine who we were talking to and about, I had a hard time keeping the characters straight.

"The Unsettled" is a powerful narrative set against the backdrop of 1985 Philadelphia that delves into themes of resilience, identity, and the enduring bonds between mother and child.

I was deeply moved by Ava Carson and her ten-year-old son Toussaint's journey in this story. After Ava and Toussaint are forced to move into a shelter after her abusive husband kicks them out, we watch as Ava desperately tries to provide a life for her son. This story does a brilliant job demonstrating the realities of living in poverty and how impossible it can be to come out of poverty when there is no support.

From the moment Ava and Toussaint arrive at the Glenn Avenue family shelter, the author vividly portrays their struggle for survival in poor conditions. Ava's desire to protect her son and distance him from the shelter's hardships is something readers who are parenting will deeply connect with. Ava's navigates motherhood along with her own complex relationship with her own estranged mother, Dutchess.

Mathis does a phenomenal job of helping the reader understand Dutchess's backstory in order to empathize with her character. Dutchess's struggle in Alabama to preserve her family's heritage and ancestral land in the face of encroaching white developers adds a rich layer of historical context to the story. The fight to maintain Bonaparte, a symbol of Black freedom and self-determination, serves as a poignant metaphor for the broader struggle for racial equality.

The introduction of Cass, Toussaint's father, brings a new dimension to the narrative that helps readers challenge misconceptions about absent fathers. Toussaint's perspective, as a young boy caught between the conflicting worlds of his mother's turmoil and his father's vision, is particularly moving. His yearning for a sense of belonging and his dreams of returning to Bonaparte provide a relatable lens through which readers can explore their own desires for connection and roots.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the e-arc copy!

Rating: 2.75/5⭐️
Pub day: September 26, 2023

The title really sums up exactly how this book made me feel. Heartbreaking from the very beginning with an air of discomfort that stayed with me long after finishing the final page. The writing style is unique and it’s a gritty story that will make you feel every emotion possible. I think as a mother it affected me more but of course that’s hard to know for sure. Either way it was a rough ride.

While I think there were a lot of positive things in the book it was a tough one for me. The honesty and experiences of the characters were powerful but the delivery of the story was done in such a way that it felt like it detracted from the deeper message. From the very start It was an odd reading experience that continued to the end and left me feeling quite deflated.

I’m sure there will be plenty who love this book, it just wasn’t the right historical fiction fit for me. 2.75⭐️

Thank you Knopf for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Ava Carson and her ten-year-old son Toussaint have moved to a family shelter since she felt increasingly unsafe around her husband. She's disgusted by the shelter's condition and thinks she'll quickly get on her feet and get them both out of there, but it's more difficult than she imagined and she ends up trapped while Toussaint starts to skip school and wanders the city. Ava wants what's best for Toussaint but finds it difficult to move on and Toussaint does not understand his mother's actions. Just when Ava decides to move back to her mother Duchess's home in Bonaparte, Toussaint's father Cass comes back into their lives and they move into a communal living situation where Cass is the leader and everyone follows his rules. The longer they follow the rules, the more it becomes clear they can't live that way but they also don't know how to escape and it leads Ava to make a difficult decision. Overall, a generational saga following Toussaint, Ava, and Duchess and the vision each person has for their family's success. The story was hard to follow at times as it switched between many points of view, but it was well written and the characters are complex.

I received a complimentary electronic copy of this exceptional novel from Netgalley, author Ayana Mathis, and publisher Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, Knopf. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read The Unsettled of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. Ayana Mathis is a remarkable writer, with a story that will break your heart while it gives you perspective on hope and defines the harbor of family. I am pleased to recommend her work to friends and family.

We are with Ava Carson and her tween son Toussaint in Philadelphia in 1985 as they seek shelter after being tossed out penniless by her current husband because she can't seem to provide him with a child of his own and her old flame Cass has found her. Ava hasn't worked in the few years she has been married to Abemi and lived with him in New Jersey, though she was a hard worker the balance of her life, in her birthplace in the Negro Town of Bonaparte, Alabama, Incorporated 1868, and all of her son's life in Philadelphia as well after her lover Cass disappeared when she was pregnant. Men had a way of letting Ava down.

Ava was considering going home to her mother Dutchess Carson in Bonaparte once she found work and saved up enough to buy bus tickets. She didn't want to - she could already hear what Dutchess had to say about the mistakes she had made in her life, but Toussaint deserves security in his life. But finding work or going home will not be possible once Cass, Toussaint's father, locates them again in the homeless shelter. Cass is not only politically radical but also a crook and a confidence man. Though aware of this, Ava is immediately completely under his thumb again, and Toussaint is thrilled to finally meet the man who is his dad. Cass is heavily into the whole Black Panther Movement and has been for as long as Ava has known him. Before long she and her son were heavily involved in his efforts with the Panthers, and working hard in the co-operative home he has set up with some of his fellow members. But how long can it last? Philadelphia was a hotbed of unrest during those years of racial unrest. In what way lay safety? What choices does she have?

This aptly titled novel really is unsettling as we follow Ava’s tumultuous and unsettled life drifting from one existence to another as she drags her young son, Toussaint along with her. We also hear about Ava’s mother’s life in rural Alabama as well as some of Ava’s backstory of growing up with a mother who also couldn’t find stability in her life. But the star of the novel really is Toussaint who wants to settle down, spend time with his mother, keep friends, have a father figure and mainly have some stability and predictability in his life.

Ava’s choices really frustrated me and I really felt for Toussaint. The author did a fabulous job at conveying the complexities of each character. I also enjoyed her mother’s story and liked how it all came together at the end. But the ending did leave me wanting more. The ending felt unsettled too.

Thank you to @netgalley and @aaknopf for this early review copy.