The Known World, by Edward P. Jones

The Known World, by Edward P. Jones

My book group recently read The Known World by Edward P. Jones. The first comment I was about to make was that it's a very worthwhile read-but then, it did win the Pulitzer so I think that opinion is pretty much already established. Anyway, despite the Pulitzer I likely wouldn't have read it without the incentive of my group. It's a saga about slavery but unlike anything else you (or I) have likely read, it deals with the very small minority of black slave owners. The stark look at the practice of men buying and selling other men, women and children is woven into a fascinating story of love, sacrifice and moral choice. As a freed black man, would you buy another person? What if that person is family? What if buying a slave of your own would enable you to improve the life of your family? Though this is a novel, it is stunning to read and realize that these were real questions a few people had to ask themselves not very long ago in America. I am very glad I had the opportunity to read this incredible novel.

I will warn the casual reader that the number of characters and their connections to each other become overwhelming very quickly. There is a dramatis personae in the back for reference, but I found that if I simply kept reading without trying to connect everyone, the characters just fell into place. And I was able to read and follow the various plotlines without floundering.

Other Book by Edward P. Jones: Lost In The City