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thealig's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
brookebuonauro's review against another edition
3.0
This book was beautifully written and had an interesting premise, but I found it difficult to get through. The storytelling structure was confusing, and my insufficient knowledge of biblical texts put me at a disadvantage for enjoying or even fully understanding most of the story.
eypsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
“Ignorance wasn’t bliss, but degradation could be better endured if you pretended you were worthy of it” especially because “Lies are more affectionate than truths”.
I am sceptical of any book or author that gets compared to Toni Morrison let alone a debut but, this novel has come the closest to matching the mood and voice of Morrison’s Beloved. I honestly felt as if I had been transported back to Sweet Home.
The novel follows two enslaved young men Isaiah and Samuel who find love in the arms of the other. It is vivid, in parts grotesque, enthralling, heart wrenching, breath-taking. It unfolds before you, drawing you into a pit of despair whilst allowing little glimmers of hope to seep through that compel you to keep reading despite the of dread of knowing what comes when reading books set during this time.
This is a captivating novel about love in a setting that continually strips away humanity and I expect this will be one of the most important books of 2021.
TW: Racism, Racist Slurs, Sexual Abuse, Physical and Verbal Abuse, Homophobia
I am sceptical of any book or author that gets compared to Toni Morrison let alone a debut but, this novel has come the closest to matching the mood and voice of Morrison’s Beloved. I honestly felt as if I had been transported back to Sweet Home.
The novel follows two enslaved young men Isaiah and Samuel who find love in the arms of the other. It is vivid, in parts grotesque, enthralling, heart wrenching, breath-taking. It unfolds before you, drawing you into a pit of despair whilst allowing little glimmers of hope to seep through that compel you to keep reading despite the of dread of knowing what comes when reading books set during this time.
This is a captivating novel about love in a setting that continually strips away humanity and I expect this will be one of the most important books of 2021.
TW: Racism, Racist Slurs, Sexual Abuse, Physical and Verbal Abuse, Homophobia
nickiitay's review against another edition
5.0
There are a handful of books that I can distinctly remember where I was and what I was doing when I finished them due to the profound nature they ended up having on me as a reader. This list includes: Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick, The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, and now joining this list will be The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr.
I told myself this year for black history month I should make myself uncomfortable and learn some hard truths about black history. One of the black bookstagrammers I follow, Jay (@litmedown) has been advocating for this novel for YEARS, so I finally decided it was time to sit down and read it.
All I can say is damn, I need to be uncomfy more often. This was an educational, emotional, realistic, and un-romaniztied depiction of slavery. Some of the things I read shocked me, which just goes to show how much more I need to educate myself on the topic.
Infusing traditional African religion with the Deep South Christian ideology was an amazing backdrop for the love story between two resilient slaves, Samuel and Isiah. These contradicting practices result in rifts within the only community Samuel and Isiah have, leading them to decisions that alter the face of their lives and the plantation.
I highly recommend this book, to my fellow white folks especially.
I told myself this year for black history month I should make myself uncomfortable and learn some hard truths about black history. One of the black bookstagrammers I follow, Jay (@litmedown) has been advocating for this novel for YEARS, so I finally decided it was time to sit down and read it.
All I can say is damn, I need to be uncomfy more often. This was an educational, emotional, realistic, and un-romaniztied depiction of slavery. Some of the things I read shocked me, which just goes to show how much more I need to educate myself on the topic.
Infusing traditional African religion with the Deep South Christian ideology was an amazing backdrop for the love story between two resilient slaves, Samuel and Isiah. These contradicting practices result in rifts within the only community Samuel and Isiah have, leading them to decisions that alter the face of their lives and the plantation.
I highly recommend this book, to my fellow white folks especially.
janelbriana's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
devoe1se's review against another edition
4.0
This was a heavy read, but VERY good. Would give 4.5 stars if I could, the bouncing narrative was a little hard for me to follow at times, but could also be my ADHD. Definitely a must read if you’re looking to continue an anti-racism education.
paddyo1993's review against another edition
3.0
Very powerful ending, but I got lost in some of the lofty, poetic descriptions of the characters and plot points. I found myself confused by a lot of the action and where in the story I was.
More dialogue would have been helpful to break up the in-depth descriptions of the characters and their actions and given some more diversity to the narrative structure.
I did appreciate the symbolism and thought that the ending was both heartbreaking but also beautiful.
More dialogue would have been helpful to break up the in-depth descriptions of the characters and their actions and given some more diversity to the narrative structure.
I did appreciate the symbolism and thought that the ending was both heartbreaking but also beautiful.
erintowner's review against another edition
3.0
This book really made me think about the narratives about slavery I've been taught. It was a good reality check. It shone a light on all the different ways slavery was inhumane and criminal. Three stars because the writing was very flowery, metaphorical, and confusing to follow at times.
lenin_lover_69's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Racism, Slavery, Rape, Murder, Sexual violence, and Misogyny
tarrowood's review against another edition
4.0
This book was extremely well written. Jones Jr. cites Toni Morrison as one of his inspirations, and his capabilities with language definitely demonstrated that inspiration. I will say, I felt Jones Jr overstretched the POV at times, but I see the intention of this. It just didn’t work out the way I had hoped. Overall, a compelling read!