We’re thrilled to introduce you to another stellar debut author - Robert Jones, Jr. And his novel The Prophets. Robert is founder of the social media community Son of Baldwin, which speaks powerfully from a Black queer perspective. Robert famously said: ‘We can disagree and still love each other, unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.’ The Prophets is one of THE novels to watch out for this year: a beautifully written work of fiction about two black teenage slaves in a forbidden relationship on a plantation in 19th century Mississippi. This story of black, queer love is a must-read. A multi-layered novel you’ll want to sit with to fully appreciate all the thought that’s gone into it. Booker winner Marlon James described the book as ‘Epic in its scale, intimate in its force, and lyrical in its beauty…That shuffling sound you hear is Morrison, Baldwin, and Angelou whooping and hollering both in pride, and wonder.’ The Prophets is published by Riverrun and available from all good bookshops. As always we encourage you to buy from your local indie! You can also support the Literary Salon and indies at the same time by buying a copy from our shop on Bookshop.org. Robert has also provided us with a tempting list of books that have inspired his writing! Read about them here. Podcast produced and edited by Megan Bay Dorman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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