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paddyo1993's review
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
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!
mrnsph's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
letamcwilliams's review against another edition
4.0
Such a beautifully written story I’ll never forget. I’ll probably go back and change my review of this book later because the only reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars was because the characters I hated in this book made me tangibly angry and I need a second to recover. 100% recommend to everyone.
heather_sl's review against another edition
2.0
This was a DNF for me. This book has received a lot of rave reviews, but I got about halfway through and was really struggling. For me, it was too wordy and confusing at times. I really wanted to like this book. The premise was interesting, but this book just wasn't it for me.
a_leo_reading's review against another edition
5.0
The Prophets by Robert Jones, JR.
Brilliantly weaves together various perspectives through generations of trauma and love.
Robert Jones, JR. adds a fresh perspective with beautifuly written prose, deeply rooted characters, with complexe magical realism.
The novel is incredible. It does magical realism perfectly.
The novel reminds me of The Tree of Life by Terrence Malick.
Brilliantly weaves together various perspectives through generations of trauma and love.
Robert Jones, JR. adds a fresh perspective with beautifuly written prose, deeply rooted characters, with complexe magical realism.
The novel is incredible. It does magical realism perfectly.
The novel reminds me of The Tree of Life by Terrence Malick.
rainbowbookworm's review against another edition
4.0
This is not an easy read. I was physically ill with the brutality depicted within this pages, but I was glad to have read it.
Isaiah and Samuel's love became more evident as the book progressed. However, the forces that opposed it also grew stronger.
The author is skillful at portraying the thoughts of the slave owners who while discussing Christianity tried to justify their inhuman treatment of slaves. Particularly appalling to me was one character, who I'm sure considers himself magnanimous for offering manumission to a slave as he is forcing said slave to have sex with him. There is also a lynching scene that affected me greatly.
Tough as it is to read, this book deserves a prominent spot in today's literary landscape and I look forward to Jones Jr.'s future works.
Isaiah and Samuel's love became more evident as the book progressed. However, the forces that opposed it also grew stronger.
The author is skillful at portraying the thoughts of the slave owners who while discussing Christianity tried to justify their inhuman treatment of slaves. Particularly appalling to me was one character, who I'm sure considers himself magnanimous for offering manumission to a slave as he is forcing said slave to have sex with him. There is also a lynching scene that affected me greatly.
Tough as it is to read, this book deserves a prominent spot in today's literary landscape and I look forward to Jones Jr.'s future works.