It will be difficult to top this 2021 novel. The story of two gay slaves in the south is told with such loving poetic mystical language that you’ll be transported to a magical realism zone that competes with the best of Toni Morrison. ( )

The language of this book is so saturated with the author's articulate expression that brushing against it leaves the parched mind overflowing. I questioned whether I wanted that articulation, sharp or rich, used in service of the brutalities of a slave narration. In this account the stone which wears through the illusion of order on the plantation is the love of the two young men who work together in the stables. At least in this story it is not only the lives of the people enslaved which are destroyed, but that is small enough grace for the plot, as abundant grace is in the language used to bring the lives of those people before our eyes. ( )

Yet another story that failed to engage my interests. The simplicity of the characters and setting, tedious pacing and plot simply don't play out. Different strokes for different folks. On to better stories ( )

This book is difficult to read, not only do to the subject matter but also because of the way it was written. I initially was really enjoying it, but just ended up being very depressed. The writing and language are difficult to interpret what the author is trying to convey. And the narrator jumps from character to character also adding to the confusion. ( )

This book was painful and hard to read. It was not the kind of book you read for fun. Although beautifully written, it’s heartbreaking and deeply, deeply sad. ( )