Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
29(29%)
4 stars
34(34%)
3 stars
37(37%)
2 stars
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1 stars
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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I was re-reading Lost in the City when I came across this. I wanted to see how the stories in it were connected. In my opinion, Lost in the City is a more powerful collection. However, I also really enjoyed reading these particular stories. Among them, Root Worker, A Rich Man, and Tapestry stood out. They had their own unique charm and吸引力. I find the author's writing so captivating that I would be eager to read anything else he wrote. His words seem to draw me in and make me completely沉浸 in the stories. It's like he has a special talent for creating vivid worlds and interesting characters that I can't help but get lost in. I'm looking forward to seeing what other wonderful works he will produce in the future.

July 15,2025
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Washington is a city that is rich in history and culture, and it is also home to a diverse community of African Americans. The short stories presented here offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of these individuals, from the professionals who work hard to achieve success in their chosen fields, to the crooks who engage in illegal activities, and even the "root workers" who practice traditional African American folk magic.


The stories are beautifully crafted, with strong characters that come to life on the page. The circumstances in which they find themselves are both interesting and engaging, drawing the reader in and keeping them hooked until the very end. Whether you are interested in learning more about African American culture and history, or simply enjoy reading well-written short stories, these tales are sure to delight and entertain.


So sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the world of African Americans in Washington. You won't be disappointed!

July 15,2025
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These stories were mildly engaging,

yet there were far too many details that were either left out or remained unexplained.

After reading the third story, which raised more questions than it answered, I simply gave up.

I have a great love for his novel, but unfortunately, his stories do not appeal to me.

It seems that the lack of clarity and completeness in the stories makes it difficult for me to fully immerse myself and enjoy them.

Perhaps if the author had provided more in-depth explanations and filled in the gaps, I might have had a different opinion.

However, as it stands, his stories are not my cup of tea.

I will continue to appreciate his novel, but when it comes to his short stories, I will likely look elsewhere for my reading pleasure.

July 15,2025
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Edward P. Jones is a new author to me.

I decided to pick up this audiobook as I wanted a break from reading mysteries. I thought short stories would be a great change of pace, and I do enjoy Peter Francis James' voice.

However, out of the 13 disks, I managed to get to the 9th disk before I became extremely bored. The first couple of stories initially held my attention, but as I continued listening, they began to sound as if they could have been part of one long story. There was a sense of repetitiveness.

Granted, they were about different families with different family compositions, but I just had the feeling that one story could have easily blended into the next.

Despite this, I am still willing to give Edward P. Jones another chance and will try reading "The Known World". I hope that Mr. Jones will eventually become an author whose works I would recommend to others.

I believe that every author has their strengths and weaknesses, and perhaps this particular collection of short stories was not the best introduction to his writing for me.
July 15,2025
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This collection of stories delves into many of the same themes as Jones' other collection.

Specifically, it focuses on the African-American experience as it develops in and around Washington, D.C.

I discovered that the prose in this collection is denser and is infused with more symbolism. Some of it is biblical, as hinted at by the title, and at times, there are magical elements.

In comparison to "Lost in the City", this collection has its own unique charm.

I would highly recommend it just as much as "Lost in the City". However, I think it would be a wise choice to read this one after you have been introduced to Jones' world.

Jones is truly a master at making daily life, with its minor disappointments and cruelties, as well as the occasional joy, feel both crushingly and euphorically epic.

Her ability to bring these ordinary experiences to life in such a vivid and powerful way is truly remarkable.

Whether you are a fan of Jones' work or new to her writing, this collection is sure to captivate and engage you.
July 15,2025
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As a native Washingtonian, I find myself truly captivated by Jones' work.

The short stories he has crafted are not only deeply moving but also possess a lyrical quality that is truly enchanting.

They are filled to the brim with the rich history and the unique people that are an integral part of the District.

In a time when DC is undergoing a transformation due to gentrification and commercialization to such an extent that it is almost unrecognizable, Jones' work holds a particular allure for me.

It serves as a reminder of the city's roots and the essence of its people before the onslaught of modernization.

His stories allow me to connect with the past and appreciate the present in a more profound way.

They offer a glimpse into the lives and experiences of those who have called DC home for generations, and in doing so, they preserve a piece of the city's soul.

Jones' work is a testament to the power of literature to capture the spirit of a place and its people.

It is a treasure trove for anyone who has a love for Washington, DC, and a desire to understand its complex and fascinating history.

July 15,2025
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This book is an absolute gem. It is truly a great read that surpasses even his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.

The story is engaging from the very beginning, pulling the reader in and not letting go until the very end. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to become invested in their lives and emotions.

The writing style is masterful, with beautiful prose that flows effortlessly. The author has a way of painting vivid pictures in the reader's mind, making the story come alive.

Overall, this book is a must-read for any fan of literature. It is a work of art that will leave you thinking long after you have turned the final page.
July 15,2025
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These are not really short stories so much as one story with constantly shifting perspectives.

Each time you read, it's like uncovering a new layer of the narrative, as the story unfolds from different angles.

The way the perspectives change keeps you on the edge of your seat, constantly engaged and eager to see what comes next.

I think of them often long after reading them, and actually read several twice (which I NEVER do).

It's a testament to the brilliance of the author's writing that these stories have such a lasting impact.

The ability to create a single story that can be experienced in so many different ways is truly remarkable.

Whether you're a fan of short stories or just looking for a unique and engaging read, these stories are definitely worth checking out.

You'll be glad you did.
July 15,2025
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This book of short stories offers glimpses into a world different than my upper-midwest upbringing.

It presents a diverse range of settings and experiences that are both fascinating and eye-opening.

Jones, the author, is a strong writer with a remarkable ability to craft engaging and vivid stories.

As a very good storyteller, Jones is able to transport readers to different times and places with great speed and ease.

The short stories in this collection are like windows into other worlds, allowing us to see and understand perspectives that we may not have otherwise encountered.

Whether it's a story set in a bustling city or a quiet rural town, Jones brings each setting to life with his detailed descriptions and engaging characters.

Overall, this book of short stories is a great read for anyone who enjoys exploring new worlds and experiencing different cultures through the power of storytelling.
July 15,2025
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I was truly excited when I began reading this book, "All Aunt Hagar's Children," which was penned by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edward P. Jones, who also wrote "The Known World." The concept behind this collection of short stories, which delves into the African-American experience in Washington DC over the course of history, seemed very promising. However, unfortunately, I just couldn't engage with it on a deeper level.

The first story, "In the Blink of God's Eye," focuses on newlyweds Ruth and Aubrey Patterson as they embark on their new life in Washington. Shortly after their arrival, Ruth discovers an infant tied to a tree. Despite not being fond of city life, she is completely smitten with the child. As the book progresses, the protagonists age, following the same pattern that Jones used in his other short story collection, "Lost in the City." Since other reviewers noted that the characters in this book paralleled those in "All Aunt Hagar's Children," I attempted to obtain the other book to read them together and gain more profound insights. But no matter how hard I tried, the stories remained just words on a page. I seldom felt myself being transported to another time and place, breathing in the atmosphere of the characters. While others may be able to empathize more with the characters and find the themes more relevant to their own lives, this book simply didn't have that effect on me.

Perhaps I needed a different perspective or a more personal connection to fully appreciate the stories. Nevertheless, I can still recognize the skill and craftsmanship that went into writing "All Aunt Hagar's Children." It's just that for me, it didn't quite hit the mark.
July 15,2025
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The six-word review "Simply virtuosic. Black guru of detail" is a concise yet powerful description.

It implies that the subject being reviewed is extremely talented and skillful, perhaps in a particular field or art form. The term "virtuosic" suggests a high level of technical proficiency and artistic excellence.

Additionally, the description of the person as the "black guru of detail" indicates that they have a special expertise in paying attention to the smallest details, which may contribute to their overall virtuosity.

This could mean that they are able to create or perform with a level of precision and intricacy that is truly remarkable.

Overall, the six-word review leaves a strong impression and makes one curious to learn more about the subject and their work.
July 15,2025
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Good short stories have always been a source of great entertainment and inspiration for me.

I have a particular affinity for two stories in particular: "Common Law" and "Adam Robinson Acquires Grandparents and a Little Sister."

The author of these stories demonstrates an amazing ability to change time periods and cross over 100s of years with remarkable ease.

It is truly fascinating to see how the author weaves together different eras and brings to life the experiences and struggles of the characters.

What ties these stories together is the constant theme of the lives of black Americans in the Washington DC area.

The author delves deep into the social, cultural, and historical context of this community, exploring issues such as race, identity, and family.

Through the vivid descriptions and engaging narratives, the reader is able to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich and complex tapestry of black American life in Washington DC.

Overall, these short stories are a testament to the power of good storytelling and the importance of representing diverse voices and experiences in literature.
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