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Sundays
Dustin Murphy’s blocked memory of childhood trauma is the key to unravelling a modern-day threat. Can he remember in time to prevent disaster?
Haunted by the ghosts of his childhood, Dustin doesn’t understand why he is so disconnected to the world. His mother suggests he may find answers by studying their family’s past, which takes him back to:
1934, Harlem—His Great Aunt Rita is a fixer in the numbers racket. She works side by side with Bumpy Johnson and runs the bank for the operation while her family struggles to be accepted in New York because of the color of their skin.
1815, Nevis—Dustin’s early ancestors are split between the planter elite and the slave population. Their actions during these final years of slavery set the tone for the family for years to come.
Dustin uncovers long-suppressed family secrets while he learns about his own problems from the past. Everything comes to a head in Charlottesville, Virginia, when he and his sister participate in a rally that pits White supremacists against all those who oppose them. Can he unlock his memory in time to prevent disaster?
Haunted by the ghosts of his childhood, Dustin doesn’t understand why he is so disconnected to the world. His mother suggests he may find answers by studying their family’s past, which takes him back to:
1934, Harlem—His Great Aunt Rita is a fixer in the numbers racket. She works side by side with Bumpy Johnson and runs the bank for the operation while her family struggles to be accepted in New York because of the color of their skin.
1815, Nevis—Dustin’s early ancestors are split between the planter elite and the slave population. Their actions during these final years of slavery set the tone for the family for years to come.
Dustin uncovers long-suppressed family secrets while he learns about his own problems from the past. Everything comes to a head in Charlottesville, Virginia, when he and his sister participate in a rally that pits White supremacists against all those who oppose them. Can he unlock his memory in time to prevent disaster?
252 pages, Hardcover
Published February 15, 2021
7 people are currently reading
838 people want to read
About the author
A. Robert Allen
9 books86 followersA. Robert Allen has published four volumes and two prequels in his Slavery and Beyond series. All are stand-alone novels connected by theme. He writes historical fiction that transports readers to times and places immediately before or soon after the end of slavery. A. Robert is a long-time higher education professional and resides in New York. The first volume in the series, Failed Moments, is a fictional account of Allen’s ancestors in 1790 during the slave revolution in what would become Haiti and later in 1863 during New York’s Draft Riots. The second volume, A Wave From Mama, immerses readers in racially charged post Civil War Brooklyn and gives an interesting look at the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. The third book in the series, Minetta Lane, takes place in 1904 in a downtown New York neighborhood that lives by an unusual race-based code. The prequel to this third volume, Minetta Mornings, takes place twenty-five years earlier. His most recent release, Living in the Middle, transports readers to perhaps the most violent and significant incident of racial violence in U.S. history, the Tulsa Race Riots of 1921. The prequel to this novel, which takes place in 1896, is entitled Ticket to Tulsa. Find out more about the author and his works at his website: http://arobertallen.com
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January 18, 2021
The impact of history
New York City author Anthony Robert Allen, a college administrator, continues this series SLAVERY AND BEYOND with this fifth installment SUNDAYS. He made his literary debut with an exceptionally fine novel – FAILED MOMENTS, Book 1 of the SLAVERY AND BEYOND series - that is based on the `what if’ concept - having the possibility to correct wrongs or change life by going back in time and doing things differently. As he has stated, `My goal was to present a family history book to my immediate family as a present for Christmas in 2013. I hired genealogists in the U.S., Ireland, and the Caribbean. As the story started to come together, I uncovered some interesting things in terms of ethnicity and religion. My Irish ancestry can be traced back to the late 1700s in Ireland. Each of my Irish family lines stayed throughout the Great Famine in the 1840s, but then left for the United States over the next 20-30 years. Some of my ancestors went to Chicago, which had a tremendous Irish population, and they were in the city during the Great Chicago fire of 1871. Others went to New York around the time of the Draft Riots in 1863, which pitted the Irish against the blacks. My Irish line has been consistently Catholic over the years. While the Irish side didn't offer so many surprises, my “other side” did. I have one line of Sephardic Jews that I can trace back to Portugal in the 1500s. This branch of the family owned slaves in Saint Domingue (modern-day Haiti) just before the slave revolution, eventually intermarried with a mulatto line of former slaves, and became Anglican from that point forward. I have another branch of my family tree that I can trace back to the marriage of a white planter to a free woman of color on the island of Nevis in the Caribbean in the early 1800s. This line was also Protestant. Life, of course, is so much more than ethnicity and religion, and the stories I uncovered--which are very well-documented --are much more sensational than ordinary. My family has been both poor and wealthy and no stranger to scandal. Some of the more colorful characters include disbarred lawyers, promiscuous husbands, bootleggers, numbers runners, scammers, politicians, and athletes.'
Given that exhaustive research and discovery of the complexities of time and change and mutations of thought and lines to which we all are inherent, Allen has created a condensation of all this in this involving and poignant fifth novel SUNDAYS. His synopsis serves the book well: ‘Dustin Murphy’s blocked memory of childhood trauma is the key to unraveling a modern-day threat. Can he remember in time to prevent disaster? Haunted by the ghosts of his childhood, Dustin doesn’t understand why he is so disconnected to the world. His mother suggests he may find answers by studying their family’s past, which takes him back to: 1934, Harlem—His Great Aunt Rita is a fixer in the numbers racket. She works side by side with Bumpy Johnson and runs the bank for the operation while her family struggles to be accepted in New York because of the color of their skin. 1815, Nevis—Dustin’s early ancestors are split between the planter elite and the slave population. Their actions during these final years of slavery set the tone for the family for years to come. Dustin uncovers long-suppressed family secrets while he learns about his own problems from the past. Everything comes to a head in Charlottesville, Virginia, when he and his sister participate in a rally that pits White supremacists against all those who oppose them. Can he unlock his memory in time to prevent disaster?’
Reading the five books of this series SLAVERY AND BEYOND is the privilege to reminisce about our own ancestry and despite all the current banter about immigration reform; we in America are all immigrants. Allen takes us through that discovery and in doing so has provided a very fine novel. Highly Recommended.
New York City author Anthony Robert Allen, a college administrator, continues this series SLAVERY AND BEYOND with this fifth installment SUNDAYS. He made his literary debut with an exceptionally fine novel – FAILED MOMENTS, Book 1 of the SLAVERY AND BEYOND series - that is based on the `what if’ concept - having the possibility to correct wrongs or change life by going back in time and doing things differently. As he has stated, `My goal was to present a family history book to my immediate family as a present for Christmas in 2013. I hired genealogists in the U.S., Ireland, and the Caribbean. As the story started to come together, I uncovered some interesting things in terms of ethnicity and religion. My Irish ancestry can be traced back to the late 1700s in Ireland. Each of my Irish family lines stayed throughout the Great Famine in the 1840s, but then left for the United States over the next 20-30 years. Some of my ancestors went to Chicago, which had a tremendous Irish population, and they were in the city during the Great Chicago fire of 1871. Others went to New York around the time of the Draft Riots in 1863, which pitted the Irish against the blacks. My Irish line has been consistently Catholic over the years. While the Irish side didn't offer so many surprises, my “other side” did. I have one line of Sephardic Jews that I can trace back to Portugal in the 1500s. This branch of the family owned slaves in Saint Domingue (modern-day Haiti) just before the slave revolution, eventually intermarried with a mulatto line of former slaves, and became Anglican from that point forward. I have another branch of my family tree that I can trace back to the marriage of a white planter to a free woman of color on the island of Nevis in the Caribbean in the early 1800s. This line was also Protestant. Life, of course, is so much more than ethnicity and religion, and the stories I uncovered--which are very well-documented --are much more sensational than ordinary. My family has been both poor and wealthy and no stranger to scandal. Some of the more colorful characters include disbarred lawyers, promiscuous husbands, bootleggers, numbers runners, scammers, politicians, and athletes.'
Given that exhaustive research and discovery of the complexities of time and change and mutations of thought and lines to which we all are inherent, Allen has created a condensation of all this in this involving and poignant fifth novel SUNDAYS. His synopsis serves the book well: ‘Dustin Murphy’s blocked memory of childhood trauma is the key to unraveling a modern-day threat. Can he remember in time to prevent disaster? Haunted by the ghosts of his childhood, Dustin doesn’t understand why he is so disconnected to the world. His mother suggests he may find answers by studying their family’s past, which takes him back to: 1934, Harlem—His Great Aunt Rita is a fixer in the numbers racket. She works side by side with Bumpy Johnson and runs the bank for the operation while her family struggles to be accepted in New York because of the color of their skin. 1815, Nevis—Dustin’s early ancestors are split between the planter elite and the slave population. Their actions during these final years of slavery set the tone for the family for years to come. Dustin uncovers long-suppressed family secrets while he learns about his own problems from the past. Everything comes to a head in Charlottesville, Virginia, when he and his sister participate in a rally that pits White supremacists against all those who oppose them. Can he unlock his memory in time to prevent disaster?’
Reading the five books of this series SLAVERY AND BEYOND is the privilege to reminisce about our own ancestry and despite all the current banter about immigration reform; we in America are all immigrants. Allen takes us through that discovery and in doing so has provided a very fine novel. Highly Recommended.
January 29, 2021
I have read all of his Slavery and Beyond series and I have enjoyed them all. The author stories have gone, from 1790, French Caribbean to present day, each one giving us a look at black history through the years, and through his engaging characters who play out the stories.
Based on some true facts and people the author gives us a look at some big events in US history and how the different races fit in and got along, or not with each other. These stories also follow some of the authors personal family genealogy.
This latest book takes place in present day but also goes back to things that happened on the island of Nevis, in 1815 and to Harlem in 1934, while the main character Dustin of this story, researches his ancestors, at the urging of his mother, to get a better understanding of why he is like he is.
I find his stories very easy to read and always giving me a good history lesson at the same time. I definitely recommend his stories, which are informative, fun and very interesting.
I would like to thank the author for the copy of his book.
Based on some true facts and people the author gives us a look at some big events in US history and how the different races fit in and got along, or not with each other. These stories also follow some of the authors personal family genealogy.
This latest book takes place in present day but also goes back to things that happened on the island of Nevis, in 1815 and to Harlem in 1934, while the main character Dustin of this story, researches his ancestors, at the urging of his mother, to get a better understanding of why he is like he is.
I find his stories very easy to read and always giving me a good history lesson at the same time. I definitely recommend his stories, which are informative, fun and very interesting.
I would like to thank the author for the copy of his book.
February 4, 2021
This final installment of the Slavery and Beyond series was hard to put down. Every chapter a page turner. Filled with memorable characters and a history that takes the reader back to past family history and present day lives. Events that affect current family members are brought to light while the protagonist (Dustin) tries to uncover his blocked childhood memories and painful trauma during Sunday meetings with his mother. Family secrets long held between generations explain the questions some of what Dustin's siblings have about identity and their origins. Woven with past and present day events and history bring this story to perfectly fit current challenges of identity and mixed race in our society.
March 14, 2021
This is a very well written story. You feel that you know the characters. They are some old friends with whom you are anxious to keep up.
It was a nice surprise for me to find out that they are described after real persons, alive or dead...
The two plans of the story are interlinked in a wonderful manner and the story about ancestors is charming.
The author put great effort to sum the information about his ancestors and great love - all this is obvious from thestyle of telling this story.
I must say that I would love to find much more about them.
I dearly recommend this book.
It was a nice surprise for me to find out that they are described after real persons, alive or dead...
The two plans of the story are interlinked in a wonderful manner and the story about ancestors is charming.
The author put great effort to sum the information about his ancestors and great love - all this is obvious from thestyle of telling this story.
I must say that I would love to find much more about them.
I dearly recommend this book.
February 14, 2021
This is the newest release from one of my favorite authors.
An uncovering of family secrets from multiple generations, this was a very moving story. It is very cohesive, well written, and engaging. I love all the research and passion that goes into the authors writing. This is the 5th installment in the Slavery and Beyond series. If you haven’t checked it out, please do. The books don’t have to be read in any particular order as they can all stand alone.
An uncovering of family secrets from multiple generations, this was a very moving story. It is very cohesive, well written, and engaging. I love all the research and passion that goes into the authors writing. This is the 5th installment in the Slavery and Beyond series. If you haven’t checked it out, please do. The books don’t have to be read in any particular order as they can all stand alone.
February 2, 2021
I was given an advanced copy to review by the author. I've read many of his books from the slavery and beyond series, and believe that if you enjoyed them that you will enjoy this book too. Honestly, however, the first 25% of the book was hard for me to get into (hence only three stars). I put it down and wasn't sure about continuing. Yet having read the other books I trusted Mr. Allen to tell a story that would be worth reading. Once I picked it back up, I really started to understand Dustin's story and how the different stories wove together to form his family history. Then it led into the present day, culminating with the Unite the Right rally. Very poignant and relevant. This is a great end to the series and a should read if you've read the others - and don't skip the historical notes at the end!
February 4, 2021
Sundays by A. Robert Allen...what can I say!?! His writing ALWAYS amazes me and I was not disappointed with his most recent book, Sundays. I’m always amazed at how he weaves fact and fiction together to create stories so colorful that they take you away. Mr. Allen is by far one of my favorite authors and his “Slavery and Beyond” series has taken me through periods in American history that I otherwise would not have been able to experience. I really hope there are more books to come in this series!
January 17, 2021
Sundays is by A. Robert Allen. This is an historical fiction but is definitely based on true events and stories. A. Robert Allen writes about his ancestors in the late 1800’s on the island of Nevis and the 1930’s in Haarlem to the present. This particular book takes the idea of passing as white and shows how it affected his family through generations, especially when the future generation had no idea that this had happened. With the aid of genealogy and Ancestry.com as well as primary source material given to him by his Mother, Dustin delves into the past to make some startling discoveries. The concept of electrical shock treatment to solve “mental problems” and the effect it had on its victims is also explored. Add in a little mystical influence through dreams and their meanings and you have a book that is difficult to put down. The characters, being based on real people, are definitely realistic and well-developed while the plot incidents really happened. The book is well-written and well edited so that it flows well without sudden stops due to typographical errors. It flows seamlessly across decades from the past to present and future events.
Dustin has always been a little different according to his sister and brother. He constantly moved from place to place. Finally, upon her death, his Aunt left him the dubious honor of being the person to discover and write about their family history. On this journey, he learns as much about himself as he does the others. He discovers the family secret and his own secret. How will the family react to this turn of events?
In this book, A. Robert Allen shows how genealogy can be used to create a story. It is a fascinating story. I did not find any typographical or grammatical mistakes. I think this is the best book he has written to date, although it is a close toss up to A Ticket to Tulsa.
Dustin has always been a little different according to his sister and brother. He constantly moved from place to place. Finally, upon her death, his Aunt left him the dubious honor of being the person to discover and write about their family history. On this journey, he learns as much about himself as he does the others. He discovers the family secret and his own secret. How will the family react to this turn of events?
In this book, A. Robert Allen shows how genealogy can be used to create a story. It is a fascinating story. I did not find any typographical or grammatical mistakes. I think this is the best book he has written to date, although it is a close toss up to A Ticket to Tulsa.
January 25, 2021
The Author very kindly allowed me a sneaky preview of this book and I hope I can do it justice with my thoughts on the story.
I really did enjoy it, the 5th in The Slavery and Beyond series, (although each book in the series can be read in any order.)
This for me has been the best, it is based on the writers own family history, an extremely interesting family it seems to be too!
It centers around Dustin, the main character in the story, who has a memory block from his childhood, he just can't remember or understand what happened to him, something so profound that it has left him wondering what it was and how could he have been so bad for it to happen.
His mother has been reluctant to tell him what happened and his siblings aren't much better!
The story revolves around Dustin's search to find out and move on. He is spiritually sensitive, as it seems are a number of his family (he has vivid dreams that cause him to react dramatically whilst in them and which ultimately come to pass!)
His mother encourages him to investigate his family history a bit further and he discovers some surprising facts about himself and his family, things he never would have believed, but facts which slowly enable him to piece together his life, things he should maybe have been told earlier!
Ultimately he needs to know what happened to him, why he finds it so hard to connect to people and places, why he moves around so much and why he has never really found anyone to settle down with.
Really we all need to know our pasts to go forward with out futures and this he does with some very interesting consequences.
I don't want to hand you the whole book on a plate you'll have to read it yourselves to find out the amazing story of this family, it's a great read so you should enjoy the ride. And knowing this relates to the author himself I found really fascinating!
I really did enjoy it, the 5th in The Slavery and Beyond series, (although each book in the series can be read in any order.)
This for me has been the best, it is based on the writers own family history, an extremely interesting family it seems to be too!
It centers around Dustin, the main character in the story, who has a memory block from his childhood, he just can't remember or understand what happened to him, something so profound that it has left him wondering what it was and how could he have been so bad for it to happen.
His mother has been reluctant to tell him what happened and his siblings aren't much better!
The story revolves around Dustin's search to find out and move on. He is spiritually sensitive, as it seems are a number of his family (he has vivid dreams that cause him to react dramatically whilst in them and which ultimately come to pass!)
His mother encourages him to investigate his family history a bit further and he discovers some surprising facts about himself and his family, things he never would have believed, but facts which slowly enable him to piece together his life, things he should maybe have been told earlier!
Ultimately he needs to know what happened to him, why he finds it so hard to connect to people and places, why he moves around so much and why he has never really found anyone to settle down with.
Really we all need to know our pasts to go forward with out futures and this he does with some very interesting consequences.
I don't want to hand you the whole book on a plate you'll have to read it yourselves to find out the amazing story of this family, it's a great read so you should enjoy the ride. And knowing this relates to the author himself I found really fascinating!
February 7, 2021
This is the fifth book that I have read from Anthony Robert Allen. His unique style is outstanding. Mr. Allen makes it so easy to read and understand “Sundays” by having short chapters. He makes all of his characters, Dustin Murphy, Charlie and Paddy (his siblings), his mother Ilva, Henry Mackinnon (Ilva’s father), Aunt Rita, Grace Mackinnon, Bruce Mackinnon, and Horatio Iles, come alive.
Even though the story goes back and forth in time, it is easy to follow. The story moves from the Island of Nevis (1800) to Harlem (1930) and finally to Hicksville, NY 2017. Mr. Allen shows how passing for white has affected people through out generations. With the help of ancestry.com, he was able to uncover the history of his family. It was interesting as to how he unraveled the material given to him by his mother. Also, Dustin was determined to solve the mystery from the letter his aunt left him after she passed away.
Dustin discovers the hardships that he had as a child and the decisions that his family, past and present, had to make about his dreams.
Dustin goes to his mother on Sundays to find out the truth about his frightening nightmares and premonitions about generations past and present.
This story shows how bonded Mr. Allen’s family is. Most of the story is very relevant to today’s history. This is a must read and discussion book. Definitely, intellectually stimulating! It needs to be read to find out Mr. Allen’s personal connection. If there is confusion in reading the book, all is cleared up in “Notes and Liberties” section at the end of the book.
Enjoy!
Even though the story goes back and forth in time, it is easy to follow. The story moves from the Island of Nevis (1800) to Harlem (1930) and finally to Hicksville, NY 2017. Mr. Allen shows how passing for white has affected people through out generations. With the help of ancestry.com, he was able to uncover the history of his family. It was interesting as to how he unraveled the material given to him by his mother. Also, Dustin was determined to solve the mystery from the letter his aunt left him after she passed away.
Dustin discovers the hardships that he had as a child and the decisions that his family, past and present, had to make about his dreams.
Dustin goes to his mother on Sundays to find out the truth about his frightening nightmares and premonitions about generations past and present.
This story shows how bonded Mr. Allen’s family is. Most of the story is very relevant to today’s history. This is a must read and discussion book. Definitely, intellectually stimulating! It needs to be read to find out Mr. Allen’s personal connection. If there is confusion in reading the book, all is cleared up in “Notes and Liberties” section at the end of the book.
Enjoy!
February 14, 2021
What family doesn’t have secrets? Dustin Murphy has been spending Sundays sharing a meal and visiting with his mom. They have enjoyed their routine very much. Until one Sunday, Dustin’s mom has him bring her a blue box from her bedroom. Inside there are old pictures and other memorabilia. As her memories unfold, they bring about questions on Dustin’s behalf. She accepts that there is much more to the family history than she is aware of and bids Dustin to undertake the chore of uncovering as much of that family history as he can.
The burning question in Dustin’s mind is what happened to and during an entire unaccounted month of his life when he was ten. He’s sure it must have something to do with the prophetic dreams he’s had all his life.
What Dustin uncovers is revealing not only to he and his mother, but to his sister Charlie and his brother Paddy as well. All their lives (they are in their upper 50s and early 60s) the siblings have thought they were white but are shocked to learn that they are of mixed race. How do they come to terms with something so life-changing?
For genealogy aficionados, this story is a treasure trove of revelations. If only we could all find such a wonderful story in our own family history. The back of the book presents some of the author’s own personal history and the family members upon whom the book’s characters are based.
SUNDAYS is the fifth book in the Slavery and Beyond series by author A. Robert Allen. He continues to share with readers the far-reaching effects of that odious era in history in a manner that resonates with modern-day.
The burning question in Dustin’s mind is what happened to and during an entire unaccounted month of his life when he was ten. He’s sure it must have something to do with the prophetic dreams he’s had all his life.
What Dustin uncovers is revealing not only to he and his mother, but to his sister Charlie and his brother Paddy as well. All their lives (they are in their upper 50s and early 60s) the siblings have thought they were white but are shocked to learn that they are of mixed race. How do they come to terms with something so life-changing?
For genealogy aficionados, this story is a treasure trove of revelations. If only we could all find such a wonderful story in our own family history. The back of the book presents some of the author’s own personal history and the family members upon whom the book’s characters are based.
SUNDAYS is the fifth book in the Slavery and Beyond series by author A. Robert Allen. He continues to share with readers the far-reaching effects of that odious era in history in a manner that resonates with modern-day.
February 16, 2021
I really enjoyed Sundays. It was an excellent read; a story that I didn't want to end. I will not give any spoilers, but I believe that one just needs to open Sundays and let the narrative take you on a cultural, racial, and historical journey. It is the story of one man's struggles as he learns about the most important things about himself:who is he as a man, where he comes from, his interactions with others, his present journey, and what his future holds.
So many times, family relationships can be difficult and even destroyed when one member attempts to protect another by doing things and making decisions that are damaging and detrimental to a member or members they are trying to help. They will lie and withhold valuable information because they may be unaware of the consequences and/or negative impact these actions will have in the future on the one they are trying to protect out of love today. it is not often done in malice, but this does not lessen the blow of betrayal that the family member feels when the truth is exposed. This novel is an account of the journey Dustin must take to find the answers to his why questions: his identity, his relationship with other family members, and his personal interaction with the member who is responsible for the damage.
Sundays is beautifully written. It ultimately tells the story of the trials, tribulatioms, and triumphs of a "true" citizen of the United States: the product of the "Melting Pot". It is also a story about what makes an American uniquely American.
So many times, family relationships can be difficult and even destroyed when one member attempts to protect another by doing things and making decisions that are damaging and detrimental to a member or members they are trying to help. They will lie and withhold valuable information because they may be unaware of the consequences and/or negative impact these actions will have in the future on the one they are trying to protect out of love today. it is not often done in malice, but this does not lessen the blow of betrayal that the family member feels when the truth is exposed. This novel is an account of the journey Dustin must take to find the answers to his why questions: his identity, his relationship with other family members, and his personal interaction with the member who is responsible for the damage.
Sundays is beautifully written. It ultimately tells the story of the trials, tribulatioms, and triumphs of a "true" citizen of the United States: the product of the "Melting Pot". It is also a story about what makes an American uniquely American.
February 23, 2021
This book is about secret, roots and the love of family. It's about finding out where you came from and how that makes who you are today. The book starts with a letter written to the main character, Dustin Murphy by his Aunt Grace who recently passed away. The letter is cryptic and he confronts his mother about it on Sunday. Instead of telling her son about his past, she hands him a diary written by his Great-Aunt Rita as a place to start... The book is written in dialog as the character appear in the story along with Dustin narration. This man is desparate in finding out his past as he has grown up with a missing childhood. He has no memory except for bits and pieces. Dustin is looking for answers that his mother and 2 siblings won't reveal. Instead he is sent on a journey into his roots much like a detective searching for clues. The book is intriguing. It's based on historical facts filled in with fiction to round it out the story. I did not read the previous books in this series so I don't know if those books help or hinder his new book. The only other document that would have been helpful would be a geneology tree or timeline along with the photos at the end of the book showing the characters from the different sections. I identified right off with the main character, Dustin Murphy as I too have childhood memories that are missing starting around age 11, close to Dustin's age. I also am seeking my family roots on Ancestry to find out who my ancestors are and where they came from. Sundays is a powerful story of the people who came before shaping the history of the author. The book is written as historical fiction and yet enlightens the writer of his roots. I highly recommend this book. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. It was truly an amazing story to tell.
February 28, 2021
This novel had three distinct stories: Grace and early family history, Dustin’s dreams and Charlottesville. The stories were connected by a family connection that started with Grace. Grace was the daughter of a planter and a slave. Grace lived in the plantation house with her father who tried to introduce her into society. The author followed Grace’s life and the family that resulted from her marriage.
Interwoven throughout the boom was the difficulty Dustin experienced with realistic dreams. The way the dreams were dealt with had a profound and negative impact on Dustin’s life. Throughout the book Dustin’s brother, sister and mother tried to explain the impact Dustin’s dreams had on their lives.
While working out their awkward relationships, the siblings went to the riot in Charlottesville to protect the sister.
I felt that each theme in the book could have been developed into three separate books. The story about Grace ended too abruptly. I would have enjoyed reading where this author could have taken us. The events revolving around the dream s was confusing to me. I had difficulty with the connection to the rest of the story. The part about Charlottesville was well-written and evoked many feelings. The author has a talent for describing events that makes you feel you are there. I would definitely recommend this book. It held my interest and I enjoyed the character descriptions. I would really like to see the author develop the story of Grace and her family to greater degree.
Interwoven throughout the boom was the difficulty Dustin experienced with realistic dreams. The way the dreams were dealt with had a profound and negative impact on Dustin’s life. Throughout the book Dustin’s brother, sister and mother tried to explain the impact Dustin’s dreams had on their lives.
While working out their awkward relationships, the siblings went to the riot in Charlottesville to protect the sister.
I felt that each theme in the book could have been developed into three separate books. The story about Grace ended too abruptly. I would have enjoyed reading where this author could have taken us. The events revolving around the dream s was confusing to me. I had difficulty with the connection to the rest of the story. The part about Charlottesville was well-written and evoked many feelings. The author has a talent for describing events that makes you feel you are there. I would definitely recommend this book. It held my interest and I enjoyed the character descriptions. I would really like to see the author develop the story of Grace and her family to greater degree.
January 16, 2021
The author is brilliant in setting an intriguing scenario where Dustin, a main character is given the honored task of discovering and holding dear their families story, truth, secrets, and treasures. And so the journey of discovery begins on Sundays with his Mom. The author is skilled in telling their complicated story. The strong loyalty to family blood is a well written driving force as Dustin and his Mom wade through the dark waters of their family's history. The layers of years of hidden truths, racial divides and horror was often unsettling as are the threads that bind them to the past. Generations of blurred lines of ethnicity and race uncovered. Dustin's troublesome childhood with frightening nightmares, premonitions and visionary are all connected to the family from generations past. His brother and sister hold secrets too and they join together to face reality with Dustin and their Mom however painful it is. The author takes his readers on a heartfelt journey, blending their lives then and now. Dustin's dreams continue to shed light into darkness as his visions become a force to protect his sister as her rallying against White supremacists, neo nazis and deep south riots put her and him in harm's way. The blending of eras is well written. The author brings this sad harsh truth to a blinding light. Anyone who has been troubled by their past and how it impacts their present life and future will be deeply moved by this story
April 9, 2021
This book, in fact the whole series, is an intriguing and captivating read. Allen weaves in enough suspense to hold your attention until the reader's curiosity is satisfied.
Sundays at its premise is based on the belief "nothing is thicker than blood." Family is everything and you do whatever needs to be done for the sake of the family. For Dustin, Sundays was the time when he would eat a meal with his mom which is pivotal to the story. The link with the past and present flows effortlessly and for Dustin, both past and present need to be understood to influence his future.
Sundays begins with Dustin sorting through his aunt's things following her death. While going through her things, Dustin discovers a note she had written to him. This letter begins Dustin's discovery of where he came from and how he ended up where he is. Ultimately, the story that flows from those events, frees Dustin to become a more contented person. The mystery driving the story is what happened to him when he is ten years old. Once this is revealed Dustin, with the help of his siblings, is able to come into his own.
Sundays is one story that provides a complex view of how history shapes a family and the decisions they make along the way for the sake of their family. It provided me a insight that reading a history book might not have because it became a more relatable work of fiction. Worth the read!
Sundays at its premise is based on the belief "nothing is thicker than blood." Family is everything and you do whatever needs to be done for the sake of the family. For Dustin, Sundays was the time when he would eat a meal with his mom which is pivotal to the story. The link with the past and present flows effortlessly and for Dustin, both past and present need to be understood to influence his future.
Sundays begins with Dustin sorting through his aunt's things following her death. While going through her things, Dustin discovers a note she had written to him. This letter begins Dustin's discovery of where he came from and how he ended up where he is. Ultimately, the story that flows from those events, frees Dustin to become a more contented person. The mystery driving the story is what happened to him when he is ten years old. Once this is revealed Dustin, with the help of his siblings, is able to come into his own.
Sundays is one story that provides a complex view of how history shapes a family and the decisions they make along the way for the sake of their family. It provided me a insight that reading a history book might not have because it became a more relatable work of fiction. Worth the read!
January 19, 2021
Sundays by A. Robert Allen is a phenomenal book. I really could not put the book down. Set (as many of this author's work) in multiple times, it is rooted in the present as the main character -- Dustin -- deals with his family history as well as his own place in the world.
The story is based on factual occurrences and people and tells a gripping and thought provoking tale about family relationships, history and psychology. While telling a story, the author pulls readers in, challenging them to think about not only their perceptions on race, but on privileges (and lack there of) based on initial perceptions. This is so timely in these last few years and sometimes it seems so many people are blindly accepting their life as the norm, while not realizing that one person's normal is not everyone's normal. The sequence where Dustin sees the same scenario with different characters and compares the outcomes is especially poignant.
I was completely immersed in this book and can only say that it blew me away in a good way. It contains all of the elements that I enjoy in a story -- it was well written, relevant, had a factual basis, and intellectually stimulating.
Fantastic job! I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys learning and/or a good story. I absolutely loved this!
The story is based on factual occurrences and people and tells a gripping and thought provoking tale about family relationships, history and psychology. While telling a story, the author pulls readers in, challenging them to think about not only their perceptions on race, but on privileges (and lack there of) based on initial perceptions. This is so timely in these last few years and sometimes it seems so many people are blindly accepting their life as the norm, while not realizing that one person's normal is not everyone's normal. The sequence where Dustin sees the same scenario with different characters and compares the outcomes is especially poignant.
I was completely immersed in this book and can only say that it blew me away in a good way. It contains all of the elements that I enjoy in a story -- it was well written, relevant, had a factual basis, and intellectually stimulating.
Fantastic job! I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys learning and/or a good story. I absolutely loved this!
March 2, 2021
In between the pages of this book you’ll find the power of love and strength that exists among family, even for those who have gone astray. Furthermore, it is finding that connection with our ancestors and learning their stories, what motivated them, how did they handle their challenges, what was the result of their choices, their behavior. It also causes me to think about what legacy I will be leaving for my own progenitors. As in most fiction that we read, there are certain characters that we can relate to that make the story real. The author transports us back in time to the days of slavery where certain family members existed and we witness the hardships they encountered and overcame. Much of this book is designated fiction however, it is loosely about his own family members and ancestors. There is also a bit about forgiving in this story, mainly about forgiving our parents for choices they made for us that may or may not have been good for us. I found this book fascinating to learn of these family members and a bit of history that is fairly close to home. I thought often of my own family history which was done by a few of my family members and I am lucky enough to reap the benefits. As a result, I would encourage everyone to look into their own family histories. It’s highly recommended.
January 19, 2021
SUNDAYS by A. Robert Allen
This is the story, mostly factual covering several generations. This family was not perfect; they had their faults like any family. Mostly they stuck by each other and come hell or high water, they protected each other. The protagonist of this story Dustin Murphy spends his life trying to overcome events of his past, never understanding why he has been having terrifying dreams his entire life. His mother has always tried to protect him from being sent to an institution. It was a difficult past and gradually the story comes out. It’s painful, but with the help of his mother Ilva, the truth comes out. Ilva had a hard time admitting that she took her son to get shock therapy treatments hoping that would help him stop dreaming. I think the mother carried a lot of guilt but we know she did the best she could for the love of her son. The story takes us to the island of Nevis in the Caribbean in the early 1800s. Dustin has very interesting characters in his family with fascinating walks of life. Had his mother followed his father’s advice Dustin would not be the man he is today. Thankfully Dustin has family who stood by him and loves him dearly.
Sundays was beautifully written with heart and soul. Funny and light-hearted, other times brutal.
This is the story, mostly factual covering several generations. This family was not perfect; they had their faults like any family. Mostly they stuck by each other and come hell or high water, they protected each other. The protagonist of this story Dustin Murphy spends his life trying to overcome events of his past, never understanding why he has been having terrifying dreams his entire life. His mother has always tried to protect him from being sent to an institution. It was a difficult past and gradually the story comes out. It’s painful, but with the help of his mother Ilva, the truth comes out. Ilva had a hard time admitting that she took her son to get shock therapy treatments hoping that would help him stop dreaming. I think the mother carried a lot of guilt but we know she did the best she could for the love of her son. The story takes us to the island of Nevis in the Caribbean in the early 1800s. Dustin has very interesting characters in his family with fascinating walks of life. Had his mother followed his father’s advice Dustin would not be the man he is today. Thankfully Dustin has family who stood by him and loves him dearly.
Sundays was beautifully written with heart and soul. Funny and light-hearted, other times brutal.
January 22, 2021
*This was an advanced reader book for me.
Allen has done a great job with this entire series, but Sundays has made it's way into my top 3. This is the story of Dustin, a young man who had emotional troubles as a young man due to seeing visions in his dreams. When he is a grown man, he finds out why. He comes from a family line that has gone through extraordinary times and adventures. He finds out that he is also of mixed race and that his mother never told him. She never told him of the shock therapy that he received as a child to stop his dreams. It is most of all, a family story.
My favorite section of the book takes place in the early 19th century in Nevis, and tells the story of Grace, a young lady born to a wealthy plantation owner and his slave. She passes for white mostly, but her uncle treats her the same as he treats all of the slaves he inherists from her father. The story and how she overcomes the mistreatment sets the stage for all that comes in the family afterwards.
This is just a great book, filled with historically accurate information as well as well-written story telling. Highly recommend. I would also recommend the other 4 books in the series. They can read in any order.
Allen has done a great job with this entire series, but Sundays has made it's way into my top 3. This is the story of Dustin, a young man who had emotional troubles as a young man due to seeing visions in his dreams. When he is a grown man, he finds out why. He comes from a family line that has gone through extraordinary times and adventures. He finds out that he is also of mixed race and that his mother never told him. She never told him of the shock therapy that he received as a child to stop his dreams. It is most of all, a family story.
My favorite section of the book takes place in the early 19th century in Nevis, and tells the story of Grace, a young lady born to a wealthy plantation owner and his slave. She passes for white mostly, but her uncle treats her the same as he treats all of the slaves he inherists from her father. The story and how she overcomes the mistreatment sets the stage for all that comes in the family afterwards.
This is just a great book, filled with historically accurate information as well as well-written story telling. Highly recommend. I would also recommend the other 4 books in the series. They can read in any order.
February 14, 2021
“Sundays” is the fifth book in the Slavery and Beyond Series by A. Robert Allen, but can be read as a stand alone narrative. The book tells the story of the author's extended family, with some truths and some embellishments to move the story along. Starting out slowly, the reader is introduced to Dustin Murphy, a young man who is packing up his Aunt's house after her death. While doing so, he discovers a note from this aunt which sets in motion his search for answers to questions about his early years, his background, and the history of his family. The title of the book refers to his visits with his mother, to help her pay her bills and to spend time with her. After discovering his aunt's note, Dustin tries to get his mother to “fill in” the missing time from his own life which he can't remember, and that she refuses to talk about.
Told in alternating parts/time periods, the reader learns of Dustin's life, as well as touching on the lives of his extended family going back to the 1800's. The “Notes and Liberties” section at the end of the book is filled with photos and additional information about the “real” people and events that are part of the fabric of the entire story.
Told in alternating parts/time periods, the reader learns of Dustin's life, as well as touching on the lives of his extended family going back to the 1800's. The “Notes and Liberties” section at the end of the book is filled with photos and additional information about the “real” people and events that are part of the fabric of the entire story.
January 30, 2021
Genealogy, history, and mystery
A creative tale that traverses several centuries using interesting techniques to trace a family history weaved into an intriguing story.
Middle-aged Dustin has a mysterious personal past, that even he doesn’t understand. He seeks to uncover the demons from his youth, and in doing so, uncovers his family background, which is intertwined with significant events of history. Combining oral history from immediate family members (including a recently deceased aunt), known genealogical methods and subtle infusion of the metaphysical, Dustin weaves a story of his heritage that he shares with his surviving kin. Doing so allows him to reconnect with estranged family members while sorting out his own past.
This book represents a slight variance from other books in the series “Slavery and Beyond” in that it doesn’t focus on one historical period, but rather several periods of the past, very recent history, and today’s historical events. The slight confusion I felt while the story unfolded was cleared up in the “Notes & Liberties” section at the end of the book. This really put an exclamation point on the tale.
A creative tale that traverses several centuries using interesting techniques to trace a family history weaved into an intriguing story.
Middle-aged Dustin has a mysterious personal past, that even he doesn’t understand. He seeks to uncover the demons from his youth, and in doing so, uncovers his family background, which is intertwined with significant events of history. Combining oral history from immediate family members (including a recently deceased aunt), known genealogical methods and subtle infusion of the metaphysical, Dustin weaves a story of his heritage that he shares with his surviving kin. Doing so allows him to reconnect with estranged family members while sorting out his own past.
This book represents a slight variance from other books in the series “Slavery and Beyond” in that it doesn’t focus on one historical period, but rather several periods of the past, very recent history, and today’s historical events. The slight confusion I felt while the story unfolded was cleared up in the “Notes & Liberties” section at the end of the book. This really put an exclamation point on the tale.
March 16, 2021
A. Robert Allen is a historian and novelist. I've enjoyed reading his previous books which have covered lesser known incidents in Black American history. Using the historical fiction genre, he brings past events to life and through sympathetic characters, makes his reader care about how events affected people who lived through them.
Sundays is a little different but no less gripping than his previous novels in the Slavery and Beyond Series. Sundays opens in 2017. Dustin Murphy's mother has said something that makes it imperative for him to explore his own and his family's past. Dustin cannot remember his own childhood; there is apparently some mystery as to what happened to him when he was very young. There are also stories about an aunt in Harlem in the 1930's. And as he and other members of his family try to uncover their own past, they trace their lineage back to the island of Nevis in the 1800s.
I do not want to give away what impressed me most about this book so I will say only that this is the most surprising book I've read in a very long time!
Sundays is a little different but no less gripping than his previous novels in the Slavery and Beyond Series. Sundays opens in 2017. Dustin Murphy's mother has said something that makes it imperative for him to explore his own and his family's past. Dustin cannot remember his own childhood; there is apparently some mystery as to what happened to him when he was very young. There are also stories about an aunt in Harlem in the 1930's. And as he and other members of his family try to uncover their own past, they trace their lineage back to the island of Nevis in the 1800s.
I do not want to give away what impressed me most about this book so I will say only that this is the most surprising book I've read in a very long time!
January 24, 2021
This is an interesting story about Dustin Murphy's life. Dustin had some problems in his early childhood. No one in the family would discuss this with him. His mother always said it's not a good time to talk about it. She suggested that he get the large blue box full of papers with their ancestor's documents from the closet. Let's try to track all the relatives that are related to your great-great-grandfather, Joseph Julian as they looked at grandpa's picture resting on the wall.
Every Sunday Dustin and his mother, ILva, would meet to separate the documents and file them in the correct order. This gave the mother and son time to talk and get acquainted with numerous family members. Each person had their own story to follow. There were some surprises in their family's history. Some sad times, fun with his brother, Paddy and his sister was always getting into something. I couldn't put the book down until I finished it.
This was an outstanding read based on some real people with true events. Some facts and fiction that was woven together to make the story exciting, with a few mysteries and numerous adventures. I loved the way the book was written, it was complex but easy to read. It had enough excitement and action till I wanted to keep reading. Thanks, Mr. Allen did a wonderful job writing this story. Be sure to read the 'Liberties and Notes' at the end of the book with family pictures.
Every Sunday Dustin and his mother, ILva, would meet to separate the documents and file them in the correct order. This gave the mother and son time to talk and get acquainted with numerous family members. Each person had their own story to follow. There were some surprises in their family's history. Some sad times, fun with his brother, Paddy and his sister was always getting into something. I couldn't put the book down until I finished it.
This was an outstanding read based on some real people with true events. Some facts and fiction that was woven together to make the story exciting, with a few mysteries and numerous adventures. I loved the way the book was written, it was complex but easy to read. It had enough excitement and action till I wanted to keep reading. Thanks, Mr. Allen did a wonderful job writing this story. Be sure to read the 'Liberties and Notes' at the end of the book with family pictures.
January 19, 2021
This is the 5th book in the Slavery and Beyond series. I have enjoyed them all and learned so much from them too. I was asked to read this by the author.
This book is about Dustin and his family. After the death of his Aunt Grace he finds an envelope behind a portrait of his great, great grandfather. It is addressed to him. It has instructions for him to start a family project. Grace says in the letter about a lost month and says if he doesn’t know about it, he should ask his mother, Ilva.
Talking to his brother and sister he finds out things about his childhood. Also while digging into his family history many revelations are unearthed. He has some very strange and vivid dreams that seem to be connected somehow.
I loved this book just as much as all the others in the series. I highly recommend reading the whole series. The books are very well written and educational too.
Thanks Tony for letting me be a part of your journey.
This book is about Dustin and his family. After the death of his Aunt Grace he finds an envelope behind a portrait of his great, great grandfather. It is addressed to him. It has instructions for him to start a family project. Grace says in the letter about a lost month and says if he doesn’t know about it, he should ask his mother, Ilva.
Talking to his brother and sister he finds out things about his childhood. Also while digging into his family history many revelations are unearthed. He has some very strange and vivid dreams that seem to be connected somehow.
I loved this book just as much as all the others in the series. I highly recommend reading the whole series. The books are very well written and educational too.
Thanks Tony for letting me be a part of your journey.
February 2, 2021
Sundays is book 5 in the Slavery and Beyond series by A. Robert Allen. This book is loosely based on fact, details the author has researched from his own family tree. As with the other books I have read in this series I really enjoyed it. To start with I found I needed to concentrate on the characters and storyline and I wondered if I was going to enjoy it. It wasn't long though, before I was hooked, so hooked that I was thinking about it when I wasn't reading it. I kept picking it up when I should have been doing other things! The reader follows Dustin Murphy on his journey through life discovering who he is and where he and his family originate from. Again another book by A Robert Allen that will leave you thinking about it long after you have finished it. This book is different, read it to find out why and also try others in the series if you haven't already, I don't think you will regret it.
February 7, 2021
I've been reading A. Robert Allen's books for a while now, and he arranged to have me receive a complimentary copy, loaded to my Kindle, in exchange for an honest review.
I have to say, I think with this one, the author has outdone himself. This is a fascinating story based on the actual history of his own family, which he researched through Ancestry.com and several other sources. Best of all (and I wish I had known this when I started reading the book), it includes an appendix at the end that discloses which parts of the story are pure fiction and which parts are based on his family's unique and extremely interesting history. This appendix includes lots of photos and they really add "icing" to this "cake" of a story. Very likable characters, a variety of settings, and several themes told by a really good storyteller. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I feel confident that you will, too.
I have to say, I think with this one, the author has outdone himself. This is a fascinating story based on the actual history of his own family, which he researched through Ancestry.com and several other sources. Best of all (and I wish I had known this when I started reading the book), it includes an appendix at the end that discloses which parts of the story are pure fiction and which parts are based on his family's unique and extremely interesting history. This appendix includes lots of photos and they really add "icing" to this "cake" of a story. Very likable characters, a variety of settings, and several themes told by a really good storyteller. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I feel confident that you will, too.
February 23, 2021
A. Robert Allen’s latest book in the Slavery and Beyond series does not disappoint. Although they’re all stand-alone historical fiction, I love how he incorporates sayings and even titles from previous books. Very clever!
Dustin doesn’t understand why he has a “lost month” in his life. At 10 years of age there’s a period that is nowhere in his mind. His family knows. His mother, especially.
Now in his fifties, he’s done well for himself, but even still, he can’t keep from moving homes every year and feeling disconnected. The penthouse he lives in now may be a keeper. His mother, with the help of a letter left from his late aunt, soon tells him why. Learning a thing or two from his young nephews, his mother and his aunt’s journals, Dustin enlightens his siblings. After all, he was not the only one that had been left unaware. A clear awakening of the trials of systemic racism, then and now. Dustin learns about his race; his heritage, and more than he bargained for.
Dustin doesn’t understand why he has a “lost month” in his life. At 10 years of age there’s a period that is nowhere in his mind. His family knows. His mother, especially.
Now in his fifties, he’s done well for himself, but even still, he can’t keep from moving homes every year and feeling disconnected. The penthouse he lives in now may be a keeper. His mother, with the help of a letter left from his late aunt, soon tells him why. Learning a thing or two from his young nephews, his mother and his aunt’s journals, Dustin enlightens his siblings. After all, he was not the only one that had been left unaware. A clear awakening of the trials of systemic racism, then and now. Dustin learns about his race; his heritage, and more than he bargained for.
March 2, 2021
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
I have read all of the books in this slavery and beyond series and have not been disappointed. A. Robert Allen is a gifted writer of historical fiction. I have enjoyed all of his books and always finished knowing something I didn't know before.
Sundays kept me page flipping because Dustin's family history was so interesting. What really kept me though, was trying to find out what the real deal was with Dustin. Why was he so mysterious? The answer is shocking but every part of his journey changed him for the better. It made his family ties stronger than they were and helped him with his self identity.
Also, in every book Mr. Allen has written he gives the facts at the end. The facts at the end of this book had me saying "whaattt!", after every paragraph. This book is well worth the read, don't miss out. Read this book!
I have read all of the books in this slavery and beyond series and have not been disappointed. A. Robert Allen is a gifted writer of historical fiction. I have enjoyed all of his books and always finished knowing something I didn't know before.
Sundays kept me page flipping because Dustin's family history was so interesting. What really kept me though, was trying to find out what the real deal was with Dustin. Why was he so mysterious? The answer is shocking but every part of his journey changed him for the better. It made his family ties stronger than they were and helped him with his self identity.
Also, in every book Mr. Allen has written he gives the facts at the end. The facts at the end of this book had me saying "whaattt!", after every paragraph. This book is well worth the read, don't miss out. Read this book!
March 7, 2021
SUNDAYS is the 5th book that I’ve read by this author and it is my favorite so far. My go-to reads are always historical fiction. Allen’s books fall in that genre, but they have a twist. In the past there was time travel and this time he utilizes dreams. I had no idea until I got to the ending that this book was truly based on his own ancestry. I loved that.
It spanned 3 centuries from 1815 to present day. He took us from Harlem to Nevis, from New York to New Orleans and finally to my hometown of Charlottesville.
If I were to give 2 criticisms they would be this:
1) I would have liked to see a family tree included with the pictures. (I was sketching my own as I went).
2) I would have liked the Nevis storyline to have continued and developed more. Maybe that will be a future project?
Overall, I enjoyed this book very much. It is a stand-alone in his SLAVERY AND BEYOND series. I would definitely recommend it.
It spanned 3 centuries from 1815 to present day. He took us from Harlem to Nevis, from New York to New Orleans and finally to my hometown of Charlottesville.
If I were to give 2 criticisms they would be this:
1) I would have liked to see a family tree included with the pictures. (I was sketching my own as I went).
2) I would have liked the Nevis storyline to have continued and developed more. Maybe that will be a future project?
Overall, I enjoyed this book very much. It is a stand-alone in his SLAVERY AND BEYOND series. I would definitely recommend it.
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