
'The Prophets' by Robert Jones Jr. is a powerful and lyrical novel set on an antebellum plantation called Empty, focusing on the lives of two young enslaved men, Samuel and Isaiah, who find solace in their deep love for each other amidst the brutality of their circumstances. The book delves into the complexities of their relationship, the struggles faced by the enslaved individuals, and the interwoven narratives of various characters, both enslaved and slaveholders, across different timelines, creating a haunting and tragic story that sheds light on the harsh realities of slavery.
The writing style of 'The Prophets' is described as poetic, flowing, and deeply moving, with a mixture of prose and free verse that adds a layer of lyricism to the narrative. The author weaves together ancestral voices, historical forces, and spiritual elements to create a multi-dimensional story that explores themes of love, resilience, oppression, and the enduring humanity of those subjected to the horrors of slavery.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for The Prophets include themes of violence, sexual assault, racial brutality, and trauma related to slavery.
Has Romance?
Yes, the book prominently features the romantic relationship between the two main characters, Samuel and Isaiah, which is central to the narrative.
From The Publisher:
Longlisted for the 2021 National Book Award for Fiction Instant New York Times Bestseller May this book cast its spell on all of us, restore to us some memory of our most warrior and softest selves. -The New York Times Book Review "A new kind of epic...A grand achievement...While The Prophets' dreamy realism recalls the work of Toni Morrison...its penetrating focus on social dynamics stands out more singularly." -Entertainment Weekly A singular and stunning debut novel about the forbidden union between two enslaved young men on a Deep South plantation, the refuge they find in each other, and a betrayal that threatens their existence. Isaiah was Samuel's and Samuel was Isaiah's. That was the way it was since the beginning, and the way it was to be until the end. In the barn they tended to the animals, but also to each other, transforming the hollowed-out shed into a place of human refuge, a source of intimacy and hope in a world ruled by vicious masters. But when an older man-a fellow slave-seeks to gain favor by preaching the master's gospel on the plantation, the enslaved begin to turn on their own. Isaiah and Samuel's love, which was once so simple, is seen as sinful and a clear danger to the plantation's harmony. With a lyricism reminiscent of Toni Morrison, Robert Jones, Jr., fiercely summons the voices of slaver and enslaved alike, from Isaiah and Samuel to the calculating slave master to the long line of women that surround them, women who have carried the soul of the plantation on their shoulders. As tensions build and the weight of centuries-of ancestors and future generations to come-culminates in a climactic reckoning, The Prophets fearlessly reveals the pain and suffering of inheritance, but is also shot through with hope, beauty, and truth, portraying the enormous, heroic power of love.
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2 comment(s)
***4.0***
I usually steer clear of "Slavery" plots. Because these books once read cant be unread. I can't bear to read cruel stories. The book is said to have chapters named after books from the bible. Since I have zero knowledge on Bible, I read this book on it's word value.
Narrated through different characters, the story comes together slowly. The plot revolves around "Empty Plantation", a Halifax cotton plantation deep south in Mississippi and it's inmates. The owners and slaves , all broken alike from inside. Slaves Samuel and Isiah , two slaves , their intense love for each other brings a series of events which were only boiling underneath till then. Slaves Maggie, Sarah, Beulah, Adam, Essie all living with their own broken history, memories and fighting in their own way to stay alive.
Paul, Ruth and Timothy, the plantation owners immoral, unjust and cruel in their on ways. Like every slave owner in that time period, Paul is not hesitant to show his authority and brutality. It's all about what slave owners do to Slaves and vice versa.
The writing is expressive and emotional. Multi-Layered story which will slowly come together. Well developed, emotionally rich characters. The violence is subdued. Just hanging in the air radiating the severity but doesn't actually describe it, which I really appreciated. Even though it is a debut novel, the narration is too smooth and flowing. Amazing story telling for a debut author.
Happy Reading!!!
The Prophets is of those books that I imagine picking back up every now and again just to read specific passages and get swept up. Robert Jones, Jr. writes in such a way that I found myself having to read certain pages over and over again to make sure I caught the meaning, but it was worth it. The language is incredibly prosaic, with symbolism abounding that I'm sure will take me years to fully sift through. The subject matter of this book feels deeply personal to me as a Black woman, and is one of the first slavery-related books I've read that doesn't feel like the events happened "a long time ago", as some people like to imagine. I feel like this will be a new classic for sure. A tough read, but 100% worth the time and tears.
About the Author:
Robert Jones, Jr. is a writer from New York City. He received his BFA in creative writing, and MFA in fiction from Brooklyn College. He has written for numerous publications, including The New York Times, Essence, and The Paris Review. He is the creator and curator of the social-justice, social-media community Son of Baldwin, which has over 275,000 members across platforms. The Prophets is his debut novel.
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