Robert Jones, Jr., was born and raised in New York City. As tensions build and the weight of centuries-of ancestors and future generations to come-culminates in a climactic reckoning, The Prophets masterfully reveals the pain and suffering of inheritance, but is also shot through with hope, beauty, and truth, portraying the enormous, heroic power of love. 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. Isaiah and Samuel's love, which was once so simple, is seen as sinful and a clear danger to the plantation's harmony. 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. 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. That was the way it was since the beginning, and the way it was to be until the end. Isaiah was Samuel's and Samuel was Isaiah's. Donations will go to Black Lives Matter DC. You can order the book below and there will also be an option to buy the book during the event.Ī 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. Click here to register for the event with a donation of any amount of your choice. and Alexander Chee in conversation for the release of The Prophets! Seriously these are two of our favorite people and we cannot wait for y'all to experience this not to be missed event! This event will be held digitally via Crowdcast. We are THRILLED to host Robert Jones, Jr.

The prophets robert