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'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.

If you liked The Prophets, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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  1. #1

    In Memoriam: A novel by Alice Winn
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    'In Memoriam: A novel' by Alice Winn is set during the first world war and follows the story of two teenagers, Ellwood and Gaunt, who enlist for the war and experience the horrors and tragedies of the conflict. The plot revolves around their relationship, love story, and the impact of war on their lives. The writing style of Alice Winn is described as subversive, electrifying, and attention to historical detail, capturing the essence of the characters and the events they go through during the war.


  2. #2

    Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski
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    'Swimming in the Dark' by Tomasz Jedrowski is a poignant novel set in 1980s Communist Poland, following the forbidden gay love story between Ludwik and Janusz amidst the backdrop of political upheaval. The writing style is described as lush, evocative prose that delves into the complexities of love, loss, and growing up in a restrictive society. The book skillfully weaves together romance and social awakening, creating an immersive and compelling narrative that intertwines personal growth with historical context.

    I had known him almost all my life, Beniek. He lived around the corner from us, in our neighborhood in Wrocław, composed of rounded streets and three-story apartment buildings that from the air formed...

  3. #3

    Real Life by Brandon Taylor
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    "Real Life" by Brandon Taylor is a novel that delves into the life of Wallace, a young black man navigating the challenges of being a graduate student in a predominantly white academic environment. The book explores themes of loneliness, racial discrimination, and the struggle for intimacy, all while portraying the inner turmoil of the protagonist. Through vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to detail, the author paints a poignant picture of Wallace's emotional journey as he grapples with his past, present, and uncertain future.

    The narrative of "Real Life" unfolds over a few days in Wallace's life, capturing his experiences with microaggressions, hostilities, and his own depression. The writing style is characterized by its beauty, emotional depth, and the ability to evoke realistic social moments and raw emotions. The novel skillfully addresses complex topics such as racism, sexuality, and personal trauma, while also highlighting the challenges of academic life and the search for connection amidst isolation.

    It was a cool evening in late summer when Wallace, his father dead for several weeks, decided that he would meet his friends at the pier after all. The lake was dimpled with white waves. People covete...

  4. #4

    The Persian Boy - Alexander the Great by Tom Holland, Mary Renault
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    The Persian Boy by Mary Renault is a historical novel narrated by Bagoas, a young Persian aristocrat who is captured, castrated, and sold as a slave to King Darius III. He becomes Darius' favorite and after Darius' death, becomes the lover and servant of Alexander the Great. The book provides a Persian view of the conquest and an intimate look at the personality of the conqueror, focusing on the homoerotic relationship between Alexander and Bagoas. Renault's writing style is described as lush and captivating, drawing readers into the lives of the characters and the historical setting.

    Our hill-fort was as old as our family, weathered-in with the rocks, its watchtower built up against a crag. From there my father used to show me the river winding through the green plain to Susa, cit...

  5. #5

    Conjure Women by Afia Atakora
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    Conjure Women by Afia Atakora is a historical novel set during and after the Civil War, focusing on the lives of black women practicing hoodoo in the antebellum South. The story follows Rue, a young slave girl who learns the art of healing and magic from her mother, May Belle, and later takes on the role of a conjure woman. The narrative delves into the brutality of slavery, the complex relationships within the plantation community, and the struggles faced by freed slaves as they navigate a world that is uncertain and unforgiving. Atakora's writing style seamlessly weaves together dual timelines, rich character development, and intricate plot twists, creating a compelling and poignant story that explores themes of resilience, identity, and the enduring power of hope.

    The black baby’s crying wormed and bloomed. It woke Rue by halves from her sleep so that through the first few strains of the sound she could not be sure when or where she was, but soon the feeble cry...

  6. #6

    Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart
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    Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart is a gritty and heartbreaking story set in working-class Glasgow, focusing on the life of a 15-year-old boy named Mungo. Living with his alcoholic mother, abusive brother, and genius sister in the post-Thatcher years, Mungo navigates through domestic abuse, alcoholism, and sectarian violence in his community. The novel delves into themes of difficult family relationships, queerness, masculinity, and finding tenderness in harsh environments, particularly exploring Mungo's forbidden and dangerous love for his Catholic neighbor, James.

    The writing style of Young Mungo has been praised for its ability to evoke strong emotions in readers, making them feel fully immersed in the scenes throughout the book. The narrative captures the innocence of young love, the brutal realities of life in 1990s Glasgow, and the complexities of relationships within a dysfunctional family, creating a hard but beautiful read that lingers with the reader long after finishing the book.

    As they neared the corner, Mungo halted and shrugged the man’s hand from his shoulder. It was such an assertive gesture that it took everyone by surprise. Turning back, Mungo squinted up at the teneme...

  7. #7

    The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris
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    The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris is a novel set at the end of the U.S. Civil War in rural Georgia, exploring the aftermath of the Emancipation Proclamation and the struggles faced by freed slaves and returning Confederate soldiers. The story follows the lives of characters like George and Isabelle Walker, their son Caleb, and the freedmen brothers Prentiss and Landry as they navigate a changing society filled with prejudices, forbidden love, and tragic consequences. The author's writing style is described as beautifully written, compelling, and able to provide insights into the hearts and minds of the characters, evoking empathy and understanding for their struggles.

    An entire day had passed since George Walker had spoken to his wife. He’d taken to the woods that very morning, tracking an animal that had eluded him since his childhood, and now night was falling. H...

  8. #8

    What Belongs to You by Garth Greenwell
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    'What Belongs to You' by Garth Greenwell follows the story of an unnamed American expat living in Sofia, Bulgaria, who forms a complex relationship with a hustler named Mitko. The novel delves into themes of desire, unrequited love, shame, and self-discovery, all set against the backdrop of a claustrophobic and introspective narrative. Through flashbacks and reflections, the narrator grapples with his past, his identity as a gay man, and the impact of his relationships on his sense of self.

    That my first encounter with Mitko B. ended in a betrayal, even a minor one, should have given me greater warning at the time, which should in turn have made my desire for him less, if not done away w...

  9. #9

    The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates
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    The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates is a historical fiction novel that follows the story of Hiram Walker, an enslaved man with a special ability who becomes an Underground Railroad conductor. The book explores themes of love, loss, family, and the liberating power of memory, all while delving into the horrors of slavery. Coates combines his knowledge of slavery with magical realism to create a lyrical and compelling narrative that follows Hiram's journey from the plantation to the Underground Railroad and back.

    AND I COULD ONLY have seen her there on the stone bridge, a dancer wreathed in ghostly blue, because that was the way they would have taken her back when I was young, back when the Virginia earth was ...

  10. #10

    At Swim, Two Boys by Jamie O'Neill
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    Set in Ireland in 1915-1916, 'At Swim, Two Boys' by Jamie O'Neill follows the story of two teenagers, Jim Mack and Doyler Doyle, as they navigate their friendship, love, and the political unrest culminating in the Easter Rising of 1916. The novel beautifully explores the coming of age of the main characters, their relationships with each other and their families, and the historical background of Ireland during that time. O'Neill's writing style is described as rich, lyrical, and evocative, capturing the essence of Irish dialect and the emotional depth of the characters.

    At the corner of Adelaide Road, where the paving sparkled in the morning sun, Mr. Mack waited by the newspaper stand. A grand day it was, rare and fine. Puff-clouds sailed through a sky of blue. Fairw...

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