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clay1914's review against another edition
3.0
Haven’t read one of these in a while and still jarred by the brutality and moved by the relationships.
sarahreincastle's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mobelch's review against another edition
5.0
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.
jaclyncrupi's review against another edition
4.0
A very welcome addition to the rich tradition of slavery narratives, this time using a queer lens which added a dimension previously lacking. This utilised many stylistic features embraced by this tradition including multi-voice perspectives and, my personal favourite, choral narration. But was this the masterpiece I’d been led to believe it would be? Sadly not quite. Flashbacks were a bit clumsy and the whole thing felt a little unnecessarily long. But what it got so very right is its portrayal of love even when faced with the darkest hate and that was glorious.
ilman002's review against another edition
2.0
How many perspectives does the author need in order to tell this story? Apparently, a lot. The points of view change nearly every chapter and it was a chore to follow who was who in this book. While I liked the idea of telling a story about two gay men and their love for each other during slavery, the execution leaves you wanting more. The character development is very poor and they feel unfinished. Additionally, I did not enjoy Robert Jones Jr.'s writing style. The prose feels bloated and it takes you all over the place. The writing is messy and the plot is tedious. Overall, this book was a huge disappointment. If you want to read a quality LGBTQ love story set in an oppressive setting then pick up a masterful Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski. This book ain't it.
carrieemoran's review against another edition
5.0
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this title. I almost feel incapable of writing a review of this novel because it was so completely stunning and flawless. The way it was written was like being in a magical dreamland where past and present had less borders than we typically perceive. I felt deeply for all of the characters, and was completely engrossed by what kept happening next. This book should be a MUST READ for all humans.
sirshiana's review against another edition
4.0
The Prophets was incredibly thought provoking…there’s more to say about it but I don’t know how to say it.
thehawk72's review against another edition
3.0
Actual rating 2.5
This book was so incredibly slow moving for me. The majority of it was setting up the story, the last 80-100 pages is when the action started to kick up big time and things were happening. But it was an incredible story and this author clearly knows what he’s doing with his words.
The acknowledgements section also made me cry.
This book was so incredibly slow moving for me. The majority of it was setting up the story, the last 80-100 pages is when the action started to kick up big time and things were happening. But it was an incredible story and this author clearly knows what he’s doing with his words.
The acknowledgements section also made me cry.
jachinheckman's review against another edition
5.0
A slow read. A hard read. An insightful read. I have sat with it for a couple days and still lack the words to express clear thoughts on this book. I wasn't sure if I even liked or loved it, but reading the critics others have, for this book, fills me with such a rage and indignation that I must indeed love it.
Perhaps then...An important Read?
Perhaps then...An important Read?