The Prophets (utgåvan 2021)

'The Prophets' is the story of those living on an antebellum plantation named Elizabeth, but known to its residents as Empty. The story centers on the relationship between Isaac and Samuel and their love for one another that makes the life they lead more bearable. Other lives figure in. There is Amos who aims to convert his fellow slaves to Christianity in the vain hope that it will inspire their captors to recognize their humanity, More importantly there is Maggie and Be Auntie and the other women of the plantation that have their own ways of protecting each other and surviving.

The novel stabs you in the chest and yet it beautiful as well. The timeline of the novel shifts to witness the events of the past that led to slavery and the hardships endured for decades with little pieces lost with every passing year. I had to take the book slowly and it will be a long time before I'm not haunted by it. ( )

Magical, poetical and deeply moving story of those living on a plantation called Empty, especially two two young men who love each other, the lives they lead and the kingdoms from which they were taken. Also, a love letter to James Baldwin. ( )

"My son, some people's hearts, they just... They just beat the wrong way."

Let me start by saying there's no way my words will do this book justice. Robert Jones Jr.'s The Prophets is a heartbreakingly beautiful, uncomfortable and remarkable book that's both historical and literary fiction and left me speechless.

"Swirling beneath him were the ways in which not having lawful claim to your own self diminished you, yes, but in another way condemned those who invented the disconnection."

Set on a plantation nicknamed Empty in the Deep South, slaves Isaac and Samuel find comfort in each other despite the cruelty of their situation. While theirs is the central story, the POV and timeline shifts to share the stories of others on Empty, both enslaved and slavers, as well their ancestorsFrom the plains of Africa and the slave ships crossing the Atlantic to those brought to Empty and those born there, each experiences is another piece of the puzzle that is destined to lead to a tragic conclusion. Jones shines a light on the Black LGBTQ experiences that are often missing from historical record and also shows a multidimensional view of the slaves at Empty - what brings them joy, what they dream about and who and how they love - in a way I haven't seen on the page before.

"Water done wore away at her stone, and the next thing she knew, she was a damn river when could have sworn she was a mountain."

Jones' lyrical language transports you to the these times and places and despite the difficult subject matter, I didn't want to put the book down. Robert Jones Jr. is an important new voice in American fiction. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. ( )

This was a profound book to read. It is more of a character study than a plot driven novel. Jones’ debut book touched my soul. His focus on what slavery was like was difficult to read at times. He focuses on the abuse, yet there is a softer tone as well. He has created a Black story along with the story of two gay teenage slaves, who bring each other joy. Their love impacts the others around them. I have read several advance reviews calling Jones’ writing reminiscent of Toni Morrison. I agree. ( )