Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, an acclaimed poet, has written a powerful novel, The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois, which has been selected as our January Book Club pick. The novel tells the story of African American history and the Black family experience through the perspective of the main character, Ailey Pearl Garfield, as she grapples with her identity and the concept of “double consciousness,” as described by W.E.B. Du Bois. The book, which is Jeffers’ first novel, takes the reader on a tumultuous journey through history, from native tribes to the slave trade to post-Civil War America, as Ailey struggles to understand and honor her family’s legacy while dealing with the complexities of race and belonging. The 800-page novel beautifully intertwines historical trauma with the story of a modern Black family, and showcases Jeffers’ skills as both an investigative and artistic writer.
Ailey Pearl Garfield spends her time divided between her home in the city and her family’s small town in Georgia, where her ancestors were brought as colonial slaves. As she navigates the secrets and complexities of her maternal family and their expectations for her future, Ailey also embarks on a journey to research and reclaim her family’s history. Throughout the novel, Ailey struggles to find her place and balance the conflicting demands of societal and familial expectations, femininity, and her own desires for love and independence. Despite these challenges, Ailey is a strong and admirable protagonist, making informed decisions about her past and future based on the true stories of her family and her own experiences.
Honorée Fanonne Jeffers’ The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that explores the complexities of race, identity, and belonging through the story of Ailey Pearl Garfield. Jeffers, a poet, has a gift for using language that is both simple and profound, and her non-linear storytelling style effectively conveys the hope and heartbreak of the stories she uncovers. The book is rich in worldbuilding, and its streamlined romanticism captures both the fear and power of each revelation. As the protagonist Ailey grapples with the traumas of racial injustice and divide, readers are drawn into her story and come to care about her and her family. Each chapter begins with a citation from W.E.B. Du Bois’ original writings, linking the novel to the poetry and inspiration of Du Bois’ work and the ten years it took Jeffers to create this impressive 800-page tome. The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois is an intellectual and artistic breakthrough, and a testament to Jeffers’ remarkable creativity and insight.
We will be discussing this book at our January Book Club meeting. Details:
Details:
- Date: January 27th 2023
- Time: 7 PM
- Location: Zoom
- Registration Link: Click here
We look forward to seeing you there and discussing this thought-provoking book together.
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