The story revolves around the romantic relation between Isaiah and Samuel, told from the points of views of their fellow slaves and their owners. Even though Isaiah and Samuel barely tell their story themselves, you can't help but fall in love a bit with them through the accounts of the others. 

I can't put into words how much I loved the lyrical writing, or how compelling I found each character, because this novel left me quite speechless. I expected a very heavy piece of literature as it is set on a plantation in the height of slavery, but the only reason it took me a little longer to finish is because the writing forces you to take your time to absorb it all. 

I am looking forward to reading more of this author's work, and I recommend everyone who loves literary (romance) novels to read this beautiful book.

This was a very hard read. I think a lot of it went over my head honestly. The time of enslaved people with absolutely no holding back and no filters. I was constantly in tears or sick to my stomach. Which is definitely the seeming point. Isaiah and Samuel find love only again to be ripped apart. There was never going to be a happy ending during this time. It’s just all pain. Which makes it a hard, but necessary read. 

« Et rien, dans la création, n’est capable d’arrêter ce qui advient. Rien. Sauf vous. » 

As with most books with multiple perspectives, the author runs the
risk of some characters not connecting with the reader. I found myself only interested in a few characters and  stories. which made the majority of the book a bit of a chore to read. I will say Jones has an incredible way of using language to create beautiful
imagery and voices. Although at times, I found it a bit pompous and over-the-top.
I think it's worth reading this novel because it does tell a moving
story about people and love and hatred and humanity.

So so good. Best novel I've read in a while. Complex and moving look at how gender and sexuality (both embodiments and attitudes) intersect with racialization and either subvert or uphold white supremacy in the context of a plantation in Mississippi. Haunting but also beautiful and in a way hopeful. Gorgeous writing and beautiful relationship between the two main characters. 

I loved the story in this book, but the prose was very dense. Although some quotes were extremely beautiful and touching, a better balance between simpler sentences and prose would have made them hot even harder. 

At its center, this novel's narrative centers on Isaiah and Samuel, an enslaved couple on the Mississippi plantation disaffectionately known as Empty. However, the narration travels between the lives of all the plantation's major figures, weaving a careful, complex tapestry of sorrows, histories, and identities. While this book did take me rather long to finish, I don't find it to be a flaw; rather, I consider it a slower story that envelops you and begs you to consider each and every character in their totality.

Part of the pacing comes from the emotional weight of assessing the relationship we have to past cultures erased and exploited in the name of greed and power. Part of the pacing comes from the lyrical prose and poetry that Robert Jones Jr. expertly crafted on the pages of his debut novel. As an author, he utilizes each character's voice for the purposes of an emotional about-face between terror and tenderness.

I absolutely consider this book an essential addition to my shelf, and I feel enriched after having delved into the world of these forbidden lovers. However, the brutality of slavery cannot be ignored, so I present a brief notice to readers who know themselves to be sensitive in regard to such acts of violence.