I felt that this book was of great significance to read. It delved into a segment of American history that, similar to Europe's Holocaust, was incomprehensible yet should never be forgotten.

The story was narrated from the less common third person omniscient perspective, causing it to read more like a history book in certain parts than a novel. It was difficult to determine which character, if any, was the protagonist.

This book distinguished itself from other books set in the antebellum South as the slave-owning family at the core of the tale was Black. In an interview at the conclusion of the book, the author disclosed that he derived the idea from reading a pamphlet about a Jew who joined the American Nazi party. He stated that it was challenging to envision a member of a group with such a profound history of oppression actually allying with the oppressors. He was further intrigued to discover that some members of his race had owned slaves and contributed to the oppression of other Blacks in the South.

Certainly, there were parts of the book that were extremely discomforting to read about. The message was not a pleasant one, and it was evident that, unlike the fairy-tale characters in Uncle Tom's Cabin, most of Jones's characters were unlikely to experience a happy ending in their lifetimes. However, there were redeeming stories and occasional glimpses into a positive future, if not for the characters themselves, then for their descendants. Although by no means an easy read, I highly recommend it to those with an interest in this particular historical period.

This book won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2004, and in my opinion, it was truly well-deserved.

The novel delves into the lives of the residents of the fictional Manchester County, Virginia, in the years preceding the Civil War. The author masterfully brings this fictional county and its people to life, making it seem so real that by the time you finish this remarkable novel, you are convinced of its authenticity.

The heart of the story centers around a plantation in the county owned by a free black who is also a slave-owner. This is a concept I had never before encountered or considered as part of the abhorrent history of slavery. (I even verified this on Google and found that there were indeed free blacks in the South who owned slaves.) When the plantation owner, Henry Townsend, passes away, his widow is left to grapple with the continuation of the plantation and the management of the slaves, as well as dealing with the local non-black population.

The novel is populated with vivid characters. There's Moses, the overseer on the plantation and Henry's first slave; Alice, a slave rumored to have been kicked in the head by a mule, who wanders the county most nights singing songs and spouting nonsense; Fern Elston, a free black woman who could pass for white and is also a teacher of black children; John Skiffington, the sheriff of the county; William Robbins, a wealthy white landowner who encouraged Henry to own his own plantation and slaves; and Harvey Travis, Oden Peoples, and Barnum Kinsey, slave patrollers who don't always adhere to the law.

This was not an easy novel to read. The language was at times dense, and the author had a penchant for skipping around in time and revealing what happens to some of the characters years in the future. There were also numerous characters to keep track of, which could be somewhat confusing at times. (Thankfully, about halfway through the book, I discovered a listing of the main characters in the back, making it easier to distinguish them.) However, it was well worth the effort. It offered insights into slavery that I had never truly contemplated before, such as black slave owners and how it could be possible. It also explored the issue of free blacks in the South and their safety. Their only protection was a written document stating they were free, but was that sufficient to safeguard them from being sold back into slavery? Not necessarily! One incident in the novel reminded me of "12 Years a Slave," an excellent film and memoir about a free black who was kidnapped in D.C. and sold into slavery.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the state of slavery in the pre-Civil War South. It's a wonderful read. Excellent!

It deeply worried him that he could not remember their names. Perhaps if he had thought of them more often throughout his life, things might have been different. He closed his eyes and, in his mind, took his parents in his hands and placed them all around the plantation where he had last seen them. His mother was in his left hand and his father in his right hand. But that didn't feel right, so he switched them, putting his father in his left hand and his mother in his right hand, and that felt better. He set them outside the smokehouse, which had a hole in the roof in the back.

Stamford then set his mother and father down before the cabin they had shared with another woman, and still the names did not come to him. He paused for a moment to touch his navel, and that simple act reminded him that he had once been somebody's baby boy, a part of a real live woman who had been with a real man. He had the navel, and that was proof he had once belonged to a mother. In his mind, Stamford once again took up his parents and placed them in front of the master's big house, in front of the master and the mistress, and in front of the master's children.

He put them in the fields, he put them in the sky, and at last, he put them before the cemetery where there were no names. And then it happened: his mother's name was June, and so he opened his right hand and let her go. His father's name, however, did not come to him, no matter how hard he tried to place him all around the plantation. Maybe God had slipped just that one time. Stamford slept, and just before dawn, he awoke and said into the darkness, “Colter.”

A beautiful ensemble cast tells a tale of no moral binaries. Each one of these enslaved characters carries the yellowed archival heft of their lives on their shoulders in Edward P. Jones’ remarkable fictionally historic telling.

A novel of the impassable gulf between what is enshrined in law and what is right.

The Known World follows the Townsends, a free Black family in Virginia who enslave other Black people, and the many stories that radiate from them in an intricacy of spokes and tangles: free and enslaved Black people, the white people who enslave Black people and those who hold some conscientious objection to slavery but who prop it up nonetheless.

5/5

(reviewed @longbreadbooks)

So if you're ever in the mood to explore a fictional town in Virginia set after the Civil War, with a cast of characters so numerous you could shake a fist at them, then this is the book for you. However, if you're looking for a streamlined story with well-developed characters and a coherent plot, then this might not be the right choice.

I really don't know what else to add except that this book has so many characters that it's quite a challenge to sit down and single out one as the main protagonist. The book synopsis of The Known World tells us that it's the story of Henry Townsend, a black farmer and former slave who comes under the guidance of William Robbins, the most powerful man in Manchester County, Virginia.

But it's also the story of Henry's parents, his wife, his slaves, his former slave owner William's family, the county sheriff and his family, and many others. At one point, I pretty much gave up trying to keep track of everyone.

Although Henry is in the story for only a small part, Jones refers to him throughout the entire book as he jumps back and forth between the past and the present. I never really had a strong opinion about Henry. I thought he was an odd character who, after being born into slavery, decided to go out and buy slaves himself. He and his wife Caldonia thought of themselves as better than the slaves they owned, but in the end, the book shows that they weren't. This book could have been an interesting exploration of free blacks who became slave owners themselves, but instead, it felt more like a soap opera that I was watching on TV, or in this case, reading.

The other characters seem to be mere caricatures here and there, and with the meandering storyline, it was hard to care about any of them. You'd be reading along, and then Jones would suddenly mention that a character had died three years and two months later and then continue with the story.

The writing wasn't that great either. There was just too much information crammed into each paragraph for me as a reader to fully absorb. For example, in the passage about Louis and Caldonia, the mention of going to Fern's classes disrupts the flow of the paragraph.

Here's another example. We read about the Broussard character for a while, and the story jumps around so much about his end and then goes back to his family in France who wasn't missing him. The entire book is set up like this, with way too much information squeezed into paragraphs, and the flow is completely off. We start with an end, and instead of working our way back chronologically to the beginning, the story jumps back and forth between different characters.

The setting of Manchester County, Virginia, where The Known World takes place, doesn't feel like a real, living place at all. There's no real life infused into the setting since we skip around so much.

Near the end of the book, the entire plot becomes a mess, and the book kind of stutters to a close. I'm glad I read a book that's on the list of books every African American should read, but I doubt I'll pick it up again in the future.

Here is my video review:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC325...

On the surface, this novel seems to be a straightforward account of a brief period following the death of black slave owner Henry Townsend. He was just thirty-one years old when he passed away, married to a free woman named Caldonia. At the time of his death, they owned thirty-three slaves. Henry was born into slavery, but his parents, Augustus and Mildred, toiled hard to purchase their own freedom and then Henry's freedom several years later. Even though they were free and Henry was not, he managed to win the affection of his owner, a man who had two families, one white and the other with the love of his life, a slave.

After Henry's death, there is unrest among the slaves and some of them disappear. This is the most basic plot summary possible, as in reality, the novel is far more complex and multi-faceted. It delves deep into the lives and emotions of the characters, exploring the harsh realities of slavery and the hypocrisy that surrounded it.

If you're in search of a novel that will make you deeply invested in the characters, furious at the unjust practice of slavery, and prompt you to reflect on the parallels of hypocrisy then and now used to justify the unjustifiable, this might very well be the novel you've been waiting for.

Beautiful, interesting, and haunting. These three words perfectly capture the essence of a particular place or experience.

The beauty might lie in the stunning landscapes, with mountains reaching towards the sky and valleys filled with colorful flowers. Or perhaps it's the architecture, with ancient buildings that tell stories of a bygone era.

The interesting aspects could include unique cultural traditions, local festivals that are full of life and energy, or hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered.

And the haunting quality might come from a sense of mystery, as if there are secrets lurking just beneath the surface. It could be a place that has witnessed tragedy or a time that has left an indelible mark.

Together, these elements create an atmosphere that is both captivating and unforgettable. It's a place that you can't help but be drawn to, a place that will stay with you long after you've left.

Here is my review of this fantastic novel:

This novel truly stands out as an extraordinary piece of literature. It takes the reader on a captivating journey through a world filled with vivid characters and thrilling adventures. The author's writing style is engaging and descriptive, making it easy to immerse oneself in the story.

The plot is well-developed, with numerous twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Each chapter brings new surprises and revelations, making it impossible to put the book down.

The characters are the heart and soul of the novel. They are complex, multi-dimensional, and each has their own unique personality and backstory. The relationships between the characters are also well-written, adding depth and emotion to the story.

In conclusion, this novel is a must-read for anyone who loves a good adventure. It is a beautifully written and engaging story that will leave you wanting more. You can watch a related video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M43gq...

Edward P. Jones' Bold Vision of "The Known World"

This story is truly captivating. Edward P. Jones has courageously taken the antebellum novel to an entirely new realm. He transports us to Henry Townsend's plantation in Manchester, Virginia, where black slave-owner Henry Townsend resides. Here, the "Known World" defies all expectations. The seemingly absurd anomaly of black masters owning black slaves in U.S. history is not the only astonishing aspect. Jones further enriches this by delving into the fantastic with descriptions of sentient lightning, children with the personalities of bitter grandparents, and even freak chickens.

Mixed within this powerful literary concoction are some of the most original and dynamic characters, both male and female, ever to grace the pages of American fiction. In fact, one of the most remarkable features of Jones' amazing novel is his portrayal of how certain individuals managed to exploit the institution of slavery to fulfill their own private needs, idiosyncrasies, or agendas.

It is true that the alternating biblical density and epic expansiveness of details and events in Jones' narrative can sometimes be challenging. However, this very aesthetic ultimately provides a triumphant sense of satisfaction. Jones' Pulitzer Prize, and any other awards received for this novel, are well-deserved.

by Author-Poet Aberjhani
author of "Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance" (Facts on File Library of American History)
and "The Wisdom Of W.E.B. Du Bois" (Wisdom Library)

This historical fiction is set in Virginia during the 1800s and features very complex themes and characters. It tells the tale of former slaves who become slave owners, which is a rather unique and thought-provoking concept. While reading, I learned some very fascinating facts about that era and the lives of the people. However, there is a drawback. It is extremely hard to remember all the characters and how they are inter-related. The story is so rich and detailed that it can be overwhelming at times. But despite this, it is still a captivating read that offers a unique perspective on history.

This book is truly remarkable

due to its remarkable ability to vividly express all the moral complexities of slavery that prevailed before the civil war.

Duty, religion, morality, justice, law, success, conformity, and experience - all these elements contribute to the intricate web of slavery.

The main characters revolve around Henry, a former slave who now manages an estate of slaves.

Other characters include a God-fearing slave owner, a slave owner who falls in love with a black woman and has a child, and an educated black woman.

Although it is rare, I was previously unaware that blacks could also own slaves.

The book is masterfully written and immediately draws you in, making you imagine how you would think and act during that era.

It also makes you question what you could convince yourself to believe in order to lessen your negative reaction to the idea of slavery (or perhaps just not allowing yourself to see the true impact of slavery on an individual's life, which was truly crippling).

At the same time, you get a glimpse of what it must have been like to be a slave, from being a woman stripped down for a white man to examine and decide whether to buy her and take her away from her family, to experiencing physical abuse.

There are contradictions and "well-meant" actions that did not yield positive results.

This is a great book to thoroughly digest and engage in discussions about.

I absolutely love a historical, relational book that makes you think deeply!

The author also incorporates historical documents and events, which makes you believe that these events actually took place.

For example, "Despite vowing never to own a slave, Skiffington had no trouble doing his job to keep the institution of slavery going, an institution even God himself had sanctioned throughout the Bible."

And "Henry, the law will protect you as a master to your slave, and it will not flinch when it protects you. That protection lasts from here all the way to the death of that property."

These passages provide a powerful insight into the mindset and actions of the people during that time.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex and often disturbing history of slavery.

The life of segregation forced on Primo Levi for four years by racial laws encouraged him to live in an unrealistic world of his own.

While reading "The Known World", Nazi concentration camps came to mind, especially how the Nazis used Polish prisoners to enforce their system. Henry Townsend, a key character who is dead for most of the novel, was a slave bought and freed by his parents. He chose to pursue the wealth and power of being a slave-owner in the south. He wasn't the only black character to own slaves, and during the narrative, they all had to face what it meant to perpetuate a morally corrupt system that oppressed those who looked like them. And, spoiler alert, they all failed to meet this challenge in heroic ways. The world they lived in seemed isolated, unrealistic, and unsustainable, yet they were always surprised when it was disrupted.

Jones follows the characters with a detached eye, making them allegorical. Henry's former master represents big money, Sheriff Skiffington represents the law, and his cousin represents tradition. In this way, Jones explores how a complex, free society perpetuated one of the world's largest crimes against humanity. The free women, in particular, seem doubly trapped. Despite their educations, they remain inactive, holding on to grief, anger, or protecting personal interests. When character changes occur, they happen through the slaves, in moments of forgiveness or near-Biblical acts of grace.

The book is dense and mostly beautifully written. Although some readers found the storytelling dry, I thought Jones was at his best when most detached, giving the reader the power to witness and respond in her own way.

Addressing the novel “The Known World,” by Edward Jones, is indeed a challenging task.

As a writer and an avid reader, while delving into the story, I discovered that the novel's structure was highly unconventional and, in my opinion, not entirely successful. At times, it was even quite irritating. It seemed that the structure hindered the communication of what could otherwise have been a powerful and engaging story. However, when I finally put down the completed book, I was surprised to find that I had experienced a truly compelling tale.

In less than 400 pages, Jones attempted to tell the story of nearly 50 characters. This is an ambitious feat, considering that many authors struggle to successfully spotlight just three or four characters. With an average of less than four pages dedicated to each character, there was little room to develop them fully. Any more focus on one character would mean sacrificing the others. Jones must have been aware of this to some extent, as he included a list of characters with brief descriptions at the end of the novel to assist readers.

Adding to the complexity, Jones took each person's story, fragmented it into tiny pieces, mixed them up, and randomly inserted them into the novel. This resulted in a very disjointed storyline and timeline for the reader to follow. Trying to keep track of who was where, when, and how detracted from the overall impact the story could have had on me. The act of reading became a laborious task.

Furthermore, Jones's insistence on inserting present-day references disrupted any sense of connection I might have felt between the narrator and the story. It made it clear that the narrator was in the here and now (2009, or whenever the reader opened the book) and not a part of the story's setting or era. These snippets only served to distance the reader from the intimacy of the narrator with the story.

The choice of third-person omniscient point of view also worked against the story. Without a consistent point of view, it was difficult for me to connect or identify with any one character throughout the entire text. I continued to be disappointed and even irritated by Jones's method of presentation right up to the last page.

Yet, after completing the novel, despite still being dissatisfied with the final product (I really wanted to know more about many of the characters), I found myself reflecting on the numerous characters and plotlines. I realized that, although the reading experience itself was not “fun,” there was still something valuable there.

“The Known World” is an intricate story that Jones crafted, creating a completely imaginary world. He has stated in several interviews that he conducted no research and that the entire story and all the characters, except for actual historical figures, were “crafted in his head.” His characters are consistent, and the novel's title is well-chosen. Each character acts within the confines of their known world, and very few think and act beyond themselves. However, all those worlds constantly collide, with each character in some way related to, interacting with, or influencing one or more of the others. Jones's creation of so many people and their complex relationships is truly brilliant.

Although completely fictional, the plotlines and characters are believable based on what we know of the era. They can even be upsetting to some, as they present a realistic portrayal of a time when slavery was legal and accepted. Jones is able to bring to life the various perspectives and experiences of those living in that era, evoking a range of emotions in the reader, such as incredulousness, outrage, sympathy, fear, and sadness.

In conclusion, the novel grew on me as I was able to piece together the fragmented story in my mind after closing the book. I believe that the impact might have been greater and more immediate if Jones had chosen a more conventional method of storytelling and limited the number of characters to allow for more in-depth development. Nevertheless, “The Known World” is a thought-provoking and engaging novel that offers a unique perspective on a dark period in history.