They Tell Me of a Home

by Daniel Black

Twenty-eight-year-old protagonist Tommy Lee Tyson steps off the Greyhound bus in his hometown of Swamp Creek, Arkansas--a place he left when he was eighteen, vowing never to return. Yet fate and a Ph.D. in black studies force him back to his rural origins as he seeks to understand himself and the black community that produced him. A cold, nonchalant father and an emotionally indifferent mother make his return, after a ten-year hiatus, practically unbearable, and the discovery of his baby sister's death and her burial in the backyard almost consumes him. His mother watches his agony when he discovers his sister's tombstone, but neither she nor other family members is willing to disclose the secret of her death. Only after being prodded incessantly does his older brother, Willie James, relent and provide Tommy Lee with enough knowledge to figure out exactly what happened and why. Meanwhile, Tommy's seventy-year-old teacher--lying on her deathbed--asks him to remain in Swamp Creek and assume her position as the headmaster of the one-room schoolhouse. He refuses vehemently and she dies having bequeathed him her five thousand-book collection in the hopes that he will change his mind. Over the course of a one-week visit, riddled with tension, heartache, and revelation, Tommy Lee Tyson discovers truths about his family, his community, and his undeniable connection to rural Southern black folk and their ways.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, African American, Book Club, Mystery, Adult Fiction, Contemporary

352 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2005

About the author

Daniel Black is a native of Kansas City, Kansas, yet spent the majority of his childhood years in Blackwell, Arkansas. He is an associate professor at his alma mater, Clark Atlanta University, where he now aims to provide an example to young Americans of the importance of self-knowledge and communal commitment. He is the author of "They Tell Me of a Home" and "The Sacred Place".

Reviews

[I Be Reading · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would give the concept behind this novel 4 stars. I am generally a big fan of "prodigal son" type stories and, to Daniel Black's credit, I was intrigued enough by the big family secret to finish reading the novel.

However, I would give basically everything else zero stars. I found this novel entirely too melodramatic and preachy and if he hadn't taken potshots at the Black church, Tyler Perry could very well have written this novel.

Black spent several chapters using various characters as a way to preach his beliefs about religion, patriarchy, sexism, and country black folks when all I wanted to know is WHAT HAPPENED TO SISTER. For the record, his personal beliefs are fine, but put that stuff in a nonfiction book!

I found the dialogue between some of the characters totally implausible, he dragged the story out by at least 50-75 pages to make room for his opinions and epic drama and the ending was garbage.

Whoever his editor is, they should get another job.

[Trudy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I've certainly had mixed feelings about this book. At first, I enjoyed it. Midway through, I was seriously ready to leave it. Towards the end, I enjoyed it again. Here is what I loved: Some of the stories told during the Friday evening gatherings "under the Tree" made me laugh so hard I couldn't breathe. Also the notion that no person's motives are rarely just black or white, but complicated with various shades of gray and other stuff is surely reinforced here. In addition, this book validates the "gift" of being a teacher. ("Teaching is not a profession, T.L. It is a spirtual calling.God has ordained some people with the skill to excite the rest of us about learning.")As a retired teacher, I felt this spiritual calling.
I just decided I don't want to write about what I didn't like about this book. Since it left me with so many positive messages, I think I want to just relish them. In conclusion, while this is not one of my favorite books, I am very glad to have spent time in Swamp Creek.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story took you on a journey back in time when there was so much sadness, incest, forgiveness and misunderstandings in the black community. There were plenty of secrets being kept. There were times in the story that you cried and then times your were mad. But, through it all there was so much inspiration that came from this journey in time. It was sad to see that some people back then looked for love in all the wrong places and misplaced who they should love and who loved them.

This was my first read by Daniel Black. I truly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more from him.

[Alicia (PrettyBrownEyeReader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Perfect Peace by the author years ago. This book has similar themes to that one. I could tell Mr. Black developed tremendously between the two books. This one is not as polished but very good.

[M.C. Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a book club selection for the month of May. I was not to enthused to pick up this book, but I kept an open mind from the beginning. After reading Perfect Peace, I was a little leery of reading a second book by the author. From chapter one I was pulled into the story and instantly like the character. The more I read, I felt like I was drowning in a lot of back story. I was patiently waiting for the ball to drop and eventually it did around Chapter 5 I think and even then it didn't make me excited. Without giving so much of the plot away I point out the good and the bad. The good, Daniel Black loves detail and a good flashback. You get to experience the world around the main character and the pulse of his thoughts. Unfortunately, that's where the good stops for me. Black never clearly defines the sexuality of the main character, yet he tithers on a homosexual relationship with another character, leading the readers to draw there own conclusion. More often than not the chapters are long and full of fluff to feel the pages. More often than not I felt as if the character rambled on and on about the past, cried to often, and never clearly expressed or defined the present. Often times Black utilizes his scholar background to overly inform the reader about the current state of Black people. I'm all for learning but when I'm reading I want to be immersed in the world of the character. Black gives non essential characters too much time on the pages. Overall I this was not a fun or easy read for me. I was glad when the book concluded. Black is not an author of my preference, but I'd encourage another reader to explore new authors and experience the journey for themselves.

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful read!!! I am so glad I came across this one. I laughed outloud many times but also read with a heavy heart. I beautifully told story. A bit predictable at times but that is alright becuase it really was a good read! I think this will be the kind of book I like even more as time passes.

The flow of the book might take a little getting into as a good portion of the text is done in what is supposed to be a poor black southern dialect. I found it enjoyable to read. There is a lot of use of the n word and other swear words but they were used in a way that added color to the story instead of for shock or filler value. I also enjoyed the religious references and talk in the book. A deep fear of God and a deep sense of traditional southern Christianity. Left you really thinking about things at times.

Since I finished it a few hours ago, I have already thought back on it a few times.

[Titilayo · Rating 3 out of 5]

You will want this book to be a marriage of Ernest J. Gaines and A Perfect Peace. It is not. It is nothing like that. It is something severely different. In these pages you will find southern dialect and black folk culture busting out the seams. You will visit a family so burdened with secrets and dysfunction that it is torso deep in a quagmire of pain. You will find homoerotic male bonding and discourse on masculinity that make you even more confused than the convoluted plot.... Read it. I read it. The story line did not impress me, but i was invested in discovering what happened to sister so I plowed through to the end.

[LaSonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I would never finish this book, only because I read the hardcover edition. Me and hardcover books do not mix well. I am a straight up paperback and ebook chick. lol

This book was very well written, just seemed a bit long. Loved the storyline and characters. Not as good as Perfect Peace but good nevertheless.

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this novel, because the premise sounded interesting. However, I was disappointed in the character development and the story itself...and I couldn't understand why the main character would have left his beloved sister behind.

[Cathleen Dungy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I suspect that this book and and the one after it are based on he author's own life story. This kept me intrigued and moved. If you are interested in reading about someone's journey in life, you will enjoy this book and "Twelve Gates ..."

[UrbanWildflower · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me laugh and cry. What a story teller!

[Donna Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a difficult book to read. It follows Tommy Lee Tyson's journey home, ostensibly to see his sister, who unfortunately has died in his absence. As he peels away the layers of his family history he finds that nothing he believes is in fact true. All of this drama is necessary for him to find his place in his history, his family, and his future. No one escapes his past, you must reconcile it with the future and your place in that future.

[Abigail Warman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really got me attached to a few of the main characters and there was a little plot twist in there that I wasn’t expecting, although maybe I should’ve been. Only complaint was that there was some theological stuff that just didn’t really make sense, but wasn’t a big enough deal to make me love the book any less.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually a 4.5* book, I would have given 5* if only the last 25 pages or so were different. The whole book was absolutely mesmerizing to this WASP, who grew up poor, but was never around any African-Americans. The dynamics of both cultures are somewhat similar in the way families treat one another. Very well written and definitely worth reading.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars
Danial Black’s “Isaac’s Song” and “Don’t Cry For Me” rank high on my favored book list so I had high expectations for this novel. While there were brilliant passages and chapters, the story was weighted down by long preachy sections that added little to the narrative or plot.
Tommy Lee Tyson, an educated black man, left small backwoods Swamp Creek, Arkansas, at eighteen after an abusive childhood where he was raised by parents who were emotionally distant. He was very attached to his younger sister and had a deep loving relationship and was bewildered and appalled to learn that she had died under questionable circumstances and was buried in the backyard. During his time in Swamp Creek he is reacquainted with his older brother, other community personalities as well as his high school teacher and mentor who entreats him to take the position of school master of this rural, black community.

There were so many parts, stories, remembrances that I loved. I loved Mr. Blue’s stories told at “the meetin’ tree, church gatherings and sermons, and conversations between Tommy Lee and his grandmother who believed he was what the family had been waiting on and told him on her deathbed “Ain’t gon’ never be a time when I ain’t wit’ cha.” Very memorable was the recollection of when Ms. Janey and Ms. Pauline were thrown out of church for moving in with each other. Ms. Janey wondered “ why she had to leave the church, but all the other sinners didn’t”. “ Truth and church folk never got along too well in Swamp Creek.” Ms. Pauline exited the church and announced to the congregation “I’m glad I met God before I met you”.

So many good parts, then the preachy chapters started. It was as if T.L.’s PhD in Black Studies became a character of its own. This is where the pace slowed and the momentum of the story stagnated. I will probably reread this novel because of the parts I loved but I may skip over the preachy parts.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was just getting into this book when I remembered that this author wrote another great book -Perfect Peace which I absolutely loved and so gave this book an extra push -however admittedly and unfortunately it wasn’t the book I expected although it was powerful, readable and is recommended...So first starters my respect and admiration for Mr. Black as this author is dedicated, eloquent and thoughtful and you can tell his books are a labor of love and are borne of his necessity to enlighten; it is obvious just by reading a few pages he is extremely educated and determined to tell the story of the resilience and beauty of African Americans..It is inspiring and refreshing for sure and for that I have to appreciate him-his colorful, detailed novels are peppered with both deep Southern slang and broken English as well as long intelligent words you have to look up so you learn to appreciate both terms of language--thanks love the contrast. So this is the story of a recently graduated Ph.D student named T.L. who returns home to his small town country roots in Swamp Creek Arkansas full of secrets, stories, struggles and survival..After leaving in a search to find more out of life then the limited educational resources and a place where honesty and communication is discouraged..T.L. never felt any warmth or intimacy from his distant mother and stern father and T.L.’s abrupt departure and return is stressful and eventful in many ways as his family is forced to deal with painful and difficult issues from their past they have learned to cover up. After returning home and finding his favorite sister gone T.L.’s main objective becomes to find out what transpired with his beloved baby sister turns into a mini mystery as he finds her dead, his older brother and parents dismissive and defiantly silent on the tragedy. Also while dealing with that T.L. also has to confront the impending death of the town’s only teacher and T.L.’s mentor and role model Ms. Swinton who despite her openness to impart knowledge has a few secrets of her own…All in all this book was good in the basic story however I felt it has a little too many digressions in religion, gender equality and philosophy in the most random moments like in pillow talk between lovers and in awkward family conversations. I enjoyed what I learned, will take the message of finding yourself to heart and am inspired yet again by the strength and power of our people to overcome such adversities and pain to rise and become stronger, loved how this book highlighted the best parts of the South like community gatherings and vivid storytellings..Will look out for the sequel definitely and recommend basically anything by him at this point, thank you Daniel Black for telling stories of a time long ago and instilling hope for times to come.

[Cheryl Durham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word....where do I start. This was just breathtaking. It has been my second most favorite read this year. Daniel Black took this reader on a journey that had me laughing, crying, kicking, rooting for and against every secret that had been covered as well as the shame and truth that had to be revealed. The read also had me to pause to remember some of the most nostalgic events that have left me wondering, questioning and drawing conclusions about things I know and thought I knew.

TL, the major character, knew what he was running from when he left Swamp Creek, Arkansas but little did he know the same thing would cause him to return. Ten years after departing and returning for a week would turn his world upside. He would learn about the death of his beloved sister, the truth about his birth, indiscretions in the home and the lessons taught as well as the importance of letting go of pain/not having the answer to everything.

There were a number of pages that were turned down because I wanted to revisit the passages. Others were folded back because they left me spellbound. The reading helped to further coney that myths and misconceptions can cripple; the truth can also do a number on you if you are not ready for it/or in position to receive it.

I have always been told that "all roads lead to home." I didn't understand that growing up. But as I aged I came to believe that "I am what I am because of my origin." TL was reminded of the same thing. Ms. Swinton said it best:
"A tree can never escape its roots. The day it does...it dies." TL like so many think they know what they are running from...but they never think twice about what they are running to. Daniel Black helps the reader to see that pain and heartache and everything else that we endure all combine to form our own unique "self."

Some statements that truly blessed me were:
1. Every man's gotta walk his own path and decide how much luggage he can carry.
2. Teaching is not a profession....it's a spiritual calling. God has called a select few to excite the rest of us about learning.
3. Other people's judgment of you cannot harm you unless you value their opinion more than you value your own.

This work is so much more than 5 stars. TL's return to Swamp Creek not only blessed him but it blessed and awaken a love that wasn't shown by his father in his youth, a bonding of brothers who would soon see that they were more alike than different and reaffirmed the fact that there is a reverence for the elders of the community and much that can still be taught. His return also brought him face to face with another brother that he would meet only by the transitioning of their mother. Home is truly where you dwell! A must read

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing literary experience! They Tell Me of a Home tells the story of a prodigal son of sorts, who returns to his rural Arkansas birthplace for answers to the existential questions we all face. For anyone with roots in the African American communities of the South, the author's use of dialect and keen attention to detail will instantly transport you to the place from whence you came. For those unfamiliar with the Deep South, Dr. Black serves as tour guide and cultural ambassador.

The book is much deeper than a anthropological sketch, however. The author artfully weaves past and present issues of race, class, gender, theology and spiritualism through a riveting plotline. This is as much a scholarly work as it is great story. If this reader could render any critique, it would be that at times the theory was laid on a bit thick. In an effort to share ideas with the world, the dialogue at times resembled a lecture or heated class discussion (think DaVinci Code). If more books suffered from trying to pack in too much scholarly information the literary world would be a much better place. You will be transformed and expanded by considering the theories put forth in this book.

If you enjoyed books like Bastard out of Carolina, Song of Solomon or the work of Zora Neal Hurston, you will definitely enjoy this novel.

(I posted this on Amazon.com at the request of author, who is also a friend, so I thought I would post it here as well. Biases aside, it is an excellent first effort from this novelist.)

[Kimberly Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know if I'm just getting more sentimental in my older age (wink, wink) or if Daniel Black just has a way of evoking such strong emotions into his characters, that I feel as though he's speaking directly to me. Obviously, that's a sign of a dynamic writer, which he is. This book was so outstanding, I don't even know where to begin.

T.L. Tyson goes home because he was summoned there by an invisible force so strong, he couldn't ignore it--and, for good reason. Once he gets home, he is plagued with the questions of why his family was so different than everyone else's family appeared to be? Why didn't they communicate? Why didn't they love one another? Why did his father beat him and abuse him mentally, and why didn't his mother nurture him and give him praise for being such a smart young man? T.L. thought about all those things on his 3 mile walk to Swamp Creek, Arkansas.

Once he got home and settled in, what he did learn on his journey of learning about his past, stunned him, and will stun you the reader. This story is about family, loss and moving forward. What an outstanding read! I guarantee you, you will not be able to put this one down! Written by one of my favorite authors!

[Cileane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been a reader. A lover of books. A love I inherited from my mother. I loved (and love) the feeling of being transplanted into whatever world I happened to be reading about. However, NEVER have I EVER read any book that moved me to so many emotional highs and lows. My senses were constantly yanked from one emotion to another, and in rapid speed! Every single chapter was an emotional and tumulus roller coaster, dipping and swinging around curves I never saw coming. The lives of these characters had me LITERALLY laughing out loud one moment, then crying or wiping away tears the next. I read of acts by characters that made me audibly gasp in shock at what they had done in one line and then felt my heart break at their despair in the next. I've been pulled into books before. Good authors should be able to do that, to literally draw you into that world that they've created and have you see it as real. But I've never been visible or emotionally moved by any book, until now.

[Emmkay · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well, I finished reading it, and enjoyed doing so in a bemused kind of way. The protagonist, TJ, has just got his Phd in black studies and has returned unannounced for a visit to the rural Arkansas town he left a decade before. Some of the dialect was fun to read and flowed well, but it seemed like when not writing in dialect, Black wrote dialogue very awkwardly - I was always being surprised when in the midst of what I thought was a conversation in a normal tone of voice he would write "I screamed," or "I whined," or "I hollered." Also lots of weird digressions inserting chunks of factoids about black history or strange theorizing about race, family, and gender (and I mean really, really strange theorizing on the latter).

[Deanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was full of intrigue, humor and truth-telling that one finds in unexpected places like a rural, impoverished close-knit community. More importantly, it speaks to the contradictions and complexities of the concept of "home"...the longing and revulsion, the open secrets, the pride that breeds jealousy, etc. The story also confirms that "home" is not just a physical structure but the memories, people, places and things that evoke that feeling of being part of something.

I truly enjoyed it and hope to read the sequel.

[Laquista Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a very good book. The depth of secrets were very familiar to my Southern upbringing. In the South you were brought up to thrive in a church environment rather you believed in being there or not. T.L was a walking secret to only himself everybody around him knew who he was expect him. He escaped from the bind that his oldest brother could not. I would’ve like to known what happened after the decision he made to find himself. A very pleasing and exciting masterpiece. Well done Author Daniel Black yet again I’m very pleased with your story crafting skills ❤️❤️❤️

[Zandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as enjoyable as his Perfect Peace. The only reason why I finished it was because I peaked ahead and found out the "secret" then wanted to read how it came to be. This was not a good book. A tedious read.

[ND · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read. Interesting plot and plot twists. Integrated historical and sociological information. I enjoyed it!

[Sag2364]

I really enjoyed this book. there were parts that in some ways felt like home and others that were a little too much. but overall, it was a good read that I would recommend.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I am just starting reading, it is another Daniel Black classic that is spell bounding. I can not wait to see what Tommy uncovers in his rural hometown, Swamp Creek, Arkansas.

[Cindy]

Wasn't crazy about the language (a LOT of f bombs) but the story was very engaging. Hard to put down.

[Leticia Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book certainly left me wanting more at its end. I absolutely loved this book!!

[ThePurpleElephant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a slow read but it’s a really good read. I enjoyed the dialogue between characters, it really depicts deep southern dialect.

The current according to the math of when TL was born should be 1994. However, it’s as if the setting is in the 50’s. They act as if so many limitations are set in place that keeps them from doing nothing with their lives in swamp creep as if I ain’t the 90’s. Sh%* was popping in the 90’s if there were a time to be alive for black folk, the 90’s was it.

The daddy talking about how the old folks would beat him for not picking cotton fast enough like come on bruh you ain’t old enough to be forcefully picking sh%*

I don’t know what the authors deal is with incest and child on child sex I get it’s an unspoken taboo and there’s a place for stories to be told.But the tone in which he writes about it just doesn’t sit right with me. (Perfect Peace same thing)

The meeting tree is what pushed this story to 4 stars for me. Them fools know they clowned, those stories had me cackling like an ol country goat in heat.

Ms Swinton ehh. She was too nice nasty for me. Ain’t an opinion on earth would ever keep me from seeing my child much less give him away! To a broken home at that. She was a selfish woman. You want what’s best for your kids. Just because you taught in Swamp Creek and enjoyed it doesn’t mean he had to walk in your footsteps…What was the deal with them damn books? She left him 3k books to do what he wanted with but him suggesting to donate them was a no no, he had to keep them or else she would be mad “in death”

Willie James excuse for sleeping and impregnating his sister… just ugh no words smh

It was obvious TL wasn’t going to leave Swamp Creep no surprise there.