by Robert Jones Jr. (Author)
Best Book of the Year: NPR The Washington Post Boston GlobeTIME USA Today Entertainment Weekly Real Simple Parade Buzzfeed Electric Literature LitHub BookRiot PopSugar Goop Library Journal BookBub KCRW Finalist for the National Book AwardOne of the New York Times' Notable Books of the YearOne of the New York Times' Best Historical Fiction of the YearInstant New York Times Best Seller 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.
Embark on an extraordinary literary journey with "The Prophets" by Robert Jones Jr., a captivating book that delves into the intricate lives of three generations of Black women in the American South. Set against the backdrop of the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the Civil Rights Movement, this poignant tale explores the resilience, strength, and unwavering spirit of a family navigating tumultuous times.
Meet Salome, a gifted healer, and a matriarch who holds the family together during the Civil War. Witness Leah's journey as she fights for equality and justice during the Reconstruction era. And experience the struggles and triumphs of Alice, a young woman coming of age in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement.
"The Prophets" is a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of Black women in shaping American history. Jones Jr.'s evocative storytelling brings to life the challenges, triumphs, and complexities faced by these women as they navigate a world often filled with prejudice and discrimination.
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of this historical novel, and be inspired by the indomitable spirit of the women who paved the way for a better future. Delve into the depths of their stories, and gain a profound understanding of the resilience, courage, and unwavering determination that have shaped the lives of Black women throughout history.
Discover "The Prophets" on Digeebooks.com, your trusted source for free online books. Engage with this powerful narrative that celebrates the strength and resilience of Black women in the face of adversity. Immerse yourself in the pages of this compelling novel, and be moved by the inspiring stories of Salome, Leah, and Alice.
