The Known World

From National Book Award-nominated author Edward P. Jones comes a debut novel of stunning emotional depth and unequaled literary power

Henry Townsend, a farmer, boot maker, and former slave, through the surprising twists and unforeseen turns of life in antebellum Virginia, becomes proprietor of his own plantation--as well his own slaves. When he ...show more

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388 pages

Average rating: 9.25

4 RATINGS

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1 REVIEW

Community Reviews

margardenlady
Dec 27, 2023
8/10 stars
This was not an easy read, mostly because I hate reading about people being cruel to one another, but well worth it. The story chronicles the 19th century occurrence of free Blacks in the US owning slaves. As you might imagine, a heavy topic. The author has effectively looked under every stone in his search for the truth about this practice. Primary to the story is the life of Henry Townsend, born a slave purchase and freed by his father, and...read more

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