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The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Book Brief

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Honorée Fanonne Jeffers

The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

816

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Georgia • Contemporary

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers follows Ailey Pearl Garfield's life across multiple generations, weaving her coming-of-age story in late 20th-century Georgia with the histories of her African, European, and Creek ancestors. The novel explores complex themes of family, identity, and heritage, delving deeply into the past to illuminate the present. The book contains references to racial violence and sexual abuse.

Emotional

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Nostalgic

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

4.6

44,108 ratings

91%

Loved it

7%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers has garnered acclaim for its heartfelt exploration of African American history and identity. Readers celebrate its lyrical prose and complex character development. However, some have noted its dense narrative and extensive length as potential drawbacks. Overall, it is a powerful and evocative read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois?

A reader who enjoys rich, multi-generational family sagas and explorations of Black identity and history, akin to Toni Morrison's Beloved or Yaa Gyasi's Homegoing, would find themselves captivated by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers' The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois.

4.6

44,108 ratings

91%

Loved it

7%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

Ailey Pearl Garfield

The protagonist who navigates personal growth and relationships, balancing her determination and bravery with moments of selfishness as she discovers her calling in history and community service.

Ailey's mentor and storyteller, who shares wisdom and family history while respecting women and modeling integrity through his respect and support for Black women's achievements.

Ailey's mother, known for her intelligence and bravery, who juggles protective instincts for her daughters with personal insecurities about her appearance in the face of colorism.

Ailey's sister and confidante, who appears to be gentle and kind but privately struggles with trauma and addiction, seeking solace in her family and professional help.

The primary antagonist evoking the historical context of systemic racism and cruelty, exemplifying the normalized violence and power dynamics of his time.

Ailey's ancestor, remembered for her moral steadfastness and nurturing of children in her community, embodying resilience in the face of enslavement and racial adversity.

Book Details
Pages

816

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Georgia • Contemporary

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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