I knew, then, that this book would probably leave me speechless. Alongside the proof, I also got to hear Robert Jones Jr himself, talk about his research prior to writing The Prophets and how it took him thirteen years to write. I was lucky enough to receive a copy after attending Quercus’ Word of Mouth Bestsellers Virtual Event. The first time I saw the proof last year June, I knew that it was going to my most anticipated read for 2021. And preaching the words of Massa Paul’s gospel, he betrays them. Their flickering glances, unspoken words and willful intention, revealing a truth that threatens to rock the stability of the plantation. But the barn is their haven, a space of radiance and love – away from the blistering sun and the cruelty of the toubabs – where they can be alone together.īut, Amos – a fellow slave – has begun to direct suspicion towards the two men and their refusal to bend. Two young enslaved men, Samuel and Isaiah dwell among the animals they keep in the barn, helping out in the fields when their day is done. The Halifax Plantation is known as Empty by the slaves who work it under the pitiless gaze of its overseers and its owner, Massa Paul.
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