- The story is told in multiple perspectives and timelines. It starts off with the mysterious voices of the ancestors that appear throughout the story. What did these voices add to the story?
- What is the significance of naming several chapters after books in the Bible?
- Isaiah and Samuel’s love story is the heartbeat of this novel. Let’s discuss this romance and how they found refuge in each other among all the horrors.
- Amos uses Christianity to gain control. While Be Auntie favors raising boys over girls and helps maintain the inequality between the sexes. What do you think are the motivations behind both of their actions?
- Why did Amos want the rest of the enslaved people to turn on Isaiah and Samuel?
- We read the perspectives of many women, most notably: Maggie, Essie and Sarah. Let’s discuss each of their storylines and struggles within the plantation.
- There’s also the viewpoints of the slave owners: Paul, his wife Ruth and their son Timothy. Why do you think the author included their viewpoints as well?
- Let’s now talk about Timothy’s “white savior complex” where he seek to exploit Isaiah and Samuel.
- Why did Samuel kill Timothy?
- This starts the climax where everyone fends for themselves. It seems Isaiah is able to escape and sees Samuel before he dies. Do you think the Isaiah really did escape? Did he truly see Samuel or was it a figment of his imagination? Were you satisfied with the ending?
- What happens next to the people of the plantation?
- What do you think the title means in relation to this story?
The Prophets by Robert Jones, Jr.
More discussion at bookclubchat.com. These questions contain major spoilers.