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A review by readnext
The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This one left me stunned several days after finishing it. I listened to it on audiobook, narrated by the phenomenal Karen Chilton. While listening I found myself constantly having to rewind in order to jot down beautiful poetic prose. It is a masterfully written debut novel that redefines the slave narrative and is sure to leave readers feeling consumed by its lyricism.
At its core this is a story about two soulmates, Isaiah and Samuel. While it is primarily about these young, enslaved lovers, various other voices on the plantation populate the novel giving us different points of view. It’s less plot driven; it reads more as a lingering pressure continuously placed on the couple, intensifying overtime until it bursts.
The story navigates important topics through different perspectives on the “Empty” plantation. Even with how beautiful the writing is, it was often painful and uncomfortable to get through. There are triggers everywhere as the story deals with slavery, sexual assault, and abuse. It is not an easy read, but it is a powerful one that deserves to be read.
I have seen a few reviews (via Goodreads) stating their dislike of the overall structure of this book paired with the multiple POVs. This boils down to a stylistic preference I suppose, as the writing style really worked for me. The chapters are named after different characters in tandem with books from the bible (the latter of which I had to look up!) Voices are given to the prophets and ancestors, offering guidance to those who are enslaved. The biblical references at times eluded me, but it was interesting to research and does not take away from how special this story is.
It’s true, beautifully intense prose does not allow for passive reading. The lyricism of the writing is difficult to grasp at times, but it remains cohesive and eloquently gives you something to think about after you’ve stepped off the page. The secondary characters, especially Maggie, were written with depth and purpose. It was wonderful to get so many different female characters with a layered complexity to them. The chapters of the secondary characters contribute to our collective perception of both Samuel and Isaiah. It was partially through these chapters that I fell in love with them. As different as they are, their souls are clearly entwined. Eventually I’ll need to buy a physical copy and thoroughly go through this story again to fully submerge myself in this wonderfully heart wrenching prose.
At its core this is a story about two soulmates, Isaiah and Samuel. While it is primarily about these young, enslaved lovers, various other voices on the plantation populate the novel giving us different points of view. It’s less plot driven; it reads more as a lingering pressure continuously placed on the couple, intensifying overtime until it bursts.
The story navigates important topics through different perspectives on the “Empty” plantation. Even with how beautiful the writing is, it was often painful and uncomfortable to get through. There are triggers everywhere as the story deals with slavery, sexual assault, and abuse. It is not an easy read, but it is a powerful one that deserves to be read.
I have seen a few reviews (via Goodreads) stating their dislike of the overall structure of this book paired with the multiple POVs. This boils down to a stylistic preference I suppose, as the writing style really worked for me. The chapters are named after different characters in tandem with books from the bible (the latter of which I had to look up!) Voices are given to the prophets and ancestors, offering guidance to those who are enslaved. The biblical references at times eluded me, but it was interesting to research and does not take away from how special this story is.
It’s true, beautifully intense prose does not allow for passive reading. The lyricism of the writing is difficult to grasp at times, but it remains cohesive and eloquently gives you something to think about after you’ve stepped off the page. The secondary characters, especially Maggie, were written with depth and purpose. It was wonderful to get so many different female characters with a layered complexity to them. The chapters of the secondary characters contribute to our collective perception of both Samuel and Isaiah. It was partially through these chapters that I fell in love with them. As different as they are, their souls are clearly entwined. Eventually I’ll need to buy a physical copy and thoroughly go through this story again to fully submerge myself in this wonderfully heart wrenching prose.