We review Robert Jones Jr.’s latest release – The Prophets. The novel is available for purchase here.
The Prophets has quickly become one of ‘the’ books to pay attention to in 2021, marking Robert Jones Jr. as one of the writer’s of the moment. The most talented writers are one who enable the reader to ‘feel’ something – whether positive or negative. There is no doubt that this is a startling novel that positions Jones Jr. as a masterful wordsmith, making the reader feel incredibly uncomfortable and horrified in equal measure.
The novel is set on the Halifax’s cotton plantation in the Deep South (Empty). Jones Jr. paints a bleak landscape of human suffering – children separated from their parents, mothers dying in childbirth and near unfathomable cruelty. The story centres around the relationship between Samuel and Isaiah – slaves who work in the barn at the plantation. Having grown up together, the two fall for each other and are drawn together by their intense connection. Their relationship is set against a backdrop of varied characters – both slaves and slavers – from Maggie who likes to care for the couple to Paul, the owner of the plantation.Â
The novel is difficult to read at times, both in the complicated web of characters that is sometimes difficult to follow, but also in the near unimaginable cruelty that is inflicted by the slavers on the slaves – from the disgusting language used to the visceral depictions of physical violence inflicted. Jones Jr. has painted an incredible picture of fortitude and perseverance in the face of this cruelty that is immensely powerful. There is no denying that he is a talented and masterful writer, but the novel could have done with a more streamlined cast of characters in order to understand the various characters and therefore feel a greater sense of injustice at their plight.
