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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.
kiwialexa's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Slavery, Sexual assault, Confinement, Violence, Colonisation, Xenophobia, Sexual violence, Blood, Death, Gore, Grief, Gun violence, Hate crime, Injury/Injury detail, Homophobia, Murder, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, and Racism
jodeacs's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
courtneyjane's review against another edition
5.0
This novel is a masterpiece, profoundly beautiful. I feel like I dont have the words nor the right to describe how good this one is. Jones will get awards and accolades and rightfully so.
morgan_c_rose's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This was a very challenging book to read. Despite the heavier content of this story, Robert Jones Jr. wrote with a delicate hand. It was like if poetry had been given the life of a novel. Read the content warnings before you begin, and take your time with it. It’s a story that I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Slavery, Physical abuse, Homophobia, Religious bigotry, Violence, Trafficking, Sexual violence, Racial slurs, and Alcohol
Moderate: Child death and Murder
patmcmanamon's review against another edition
5.0
Some books prompt silence and thought when you finish them. They stay with you. That’s the way it is with The Prophets, which I was fortunate enough to receive in a GoodReads giveaway. It’s brilliantly written. It’s thoughtful. It’s meaningful. And it’s powerful. It’s a story of humanity, its evils and its goodness and the struggle to find a meaningful piece of it. The story is unique, and I won’t give much of it away here. This book lays bare the vapid nature of whiteness. And I challenge anyone to read the descriptions of slave ships and not be shaken. The Prophets is compelling and meaningful first novel by Robert Jones Jr. Can’t wait for his second.
melannsbookshelf's review against another edition
Awful. I don’t even know what I was reading.
hannahpom's review against another edition
5.0
A window into the depth of emotion and violence that sit just beyond the edge of comprehension. Stunning.
kangokaren's review against another edition
5.0
Oh wow. That was a painful, beautiful, essential book. Thank you for writing it, Mr Jones. I hope I grow in response to it.
coleycole's review against another edition
5.0
Not an easy read in any sense of the word, but breathtaking, heartbreaking, stunning. Just an amazing book.