Reviews

The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr.

kangaruthie's review

1.0

I hate to say that this book was a rare DNF for me. I was hoping to love it based on the subject matter and reviews, but it was a total miss for me. I usually love flowery prose, but this was so over-written and dense that I couldn’t even tell what was going on half the time. The characters were severely underdeveloped to the point where even when I was over halfway through the book, I still couldn’t tell them apart or remember who was who. It was hard to force myself to give up after making it about 2/3rds of the way through, but it was just dragging and dragging and I couldn’t do it any longer.

smtvash's review

4.0

Following the lives of several slaves in a plantation and a few of the people who own them, The Prophets combine ancestral power with an antebellum story calling out for strength to the present.
At points it feels a little disjointed as we run from POV to POV, discussing themes like essays brought out from each character, spending time with each one as they go about their day. To anchor it all are two men in love who use one another for strength to survive that horrible hardships that is their day to day.
It all leads up to a pretty chaotic, powerful ending that.
Perhaps an element of this novel that surprised me was how cold it felt at times, but I don't blame the prose for being as angry and stern as it is. Like the ancient beliefs it evokes during its more powerful moments, The Prophets remind us of the struggles we have yet to overcome, yet to pay retribution for.

jv13's review

5.0

Beautifully written, powerful storyline.

g1sh's review

4.0

I normally can’t stomach lyrical and flowery prose. But in my hesitation to read another slavery story, where you need to face the horrors, the lyricism did provide a balm and it’s side characters provided more comfort. Though I must admit I got lost sometimes, specially in the African sub plot. I found the book to be a beautiful read, and mostly enjoyed the cultural clash of Christianity and European culture erasing African culture and dividing its people along the way.

sehmort's review

5.0

This was a painfully beautiful story written in the most unique and lyrical way. A magician with words which shows how writing a book is a true craft, an art form that rarely is seen in published works these days. I hope this book receives the accolades it deserves. I am looking forward to future work from Robert Jones, Jr.

masonn's review

4.0

One of the best contemporary books I’ve read in a while. Not as controlled as Toni Morrison, or as direct as James Baldwin, but reminiscent of both. Amazing read.

bartlebebop's review

5.0

This book is full stop, a work of art. A modern literary masterpiece. I am honestly struggling to comprehend it. Wow.

emilydayk's review against another edition

5.0

4.5 rounded up. A story about life on a plantation told from the perspective of the enslaved and the plantation owners. The story focuses on two young, gay, enslaved men and the way the community views them, their stories and struggles, along with their abuse by the heir to the plantation ultimately ending in tragedy. I could definitely hear the influences of James Baldwin (lovely prose) and Octavia Butler (supernatural moments). There were things that were beyond me in this book, not because of any failing of the author but because I am a white woman and not all things are for me to understand.

aubreadsbooks's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

2.5

doughboyy's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75