Why people recommend it
The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr. is an acclaimed historical novel that portrays a tender love story between two enslaved young men on a Mississippi plantation, confronting the brutal realities of bondage and the enduring power of human connection. The novel received notable praise across multiple episodes of The Book Review podcast in 2021 and 2024. During an episode discussing the best books of the year, MJ Franklin enthusiastically brought up the novel, explaining that it had come out early in the year and completely blew her away as a personal favorite outside of official rankings. Additionally, guest Alexandra Alter discussed the book during a conversation with Colson Whitehead, highlighting its status as a powerful debut novel centered on the profound relationship between two Black enslaved men. The discussions emphasized the emotional impact of the narrative, praising Jones for his lyrical prose, unflinching historical depiction, and tender portrayal of intimacy amidst horrific circumstances. Through these podcast features, The Prophets was firmly established as a monumental contribution to modern historical fiction, capturing the attention of readers and critics looking for courageous storytelling that humanizes marginalized historical figures with immense grace, tragic beauty, and unforgettable literary power.
Who recommended it
- MJ Franklin Recommended
- Alexandra Alter Discussed
MJ Franklin — 1 mention
“I want to talk about the profits by Robert Jones Jr it came out at the beginning of the year and it just blew me away”
Alexandra Alter — 1 mention
“there's another debut by Robert Jones Jr called the prophets and this is a love story about two black enslaved men”