My first thought in finishing The Prophets by Robert Jones, Jr. is that I wish I had a literary guide or accompaniment of this novel while reading. The writing and story-telling are rich and complex; I know I didn’t understand all the nuance, references, and literary techniques. That is my own shortcoming— NOT the novel or the author’s.

The Prophets focuses on Samuel and Isaiah, two slaves on the Halifax plantation (Empty) in Mississippi. These two men love one another and find refuge and purpose in their love. But from the pair’s peace comes others’ (Amos’) betrayal disguised as… protection? What was once between Samuel and Isaiah becomes a point of contention that then expands to consume Empty.

This novel also interweaves stories of other slaves, primarily the women— Maggie, Puah, Sarah, Essie— the Halifax family, and the ancestors.

In reading other reviews, the complexity of the writing style was a common gripe. While I agree with that challenge, I am more so falling on the side of recognizing The Prophets for its exploration of the “quiet, revolutionary power of love.” -National Book Award judge’s citation.