Matthew McElroy ’s Reviews > The Known World > Status Update
Matthew McElroy
is on page 340 of 388
We are rounding into the final pages and I'm still trying to figure out what Jones is going for. The story is interesting. The characters are compelling. The scenes are descriptive, without being flowery.
But why write a book about enslaved people, that largely takes place on a plantation started by a Black man? Is it about the ability of people to be terrible to others? Why do many remain loyal to Caldonia?
— Jul 31, 2023 07:53AM
But why write a book about enslaved people, that largely takes place on a plantation started by a Black man? Is it about the ability of people to be terrible to others? Why do many remain loyal to Caldonia?
Like flag
Matthew’s Previous Updates
Matthew McElroy
is on page 315 of 388
There must be something to the names: Moses, Delphie and Cassandra- all three are involved with prophecy of the ancient world. I can't recall any of them making prescient statements so far. However, Moses has just lived up to his name, for the most selfish reason possible.
— Jul 29, 2023 10:55AM
Matthew McElroy
is on page 274 of 388
What makes Moses so loyal to Henry's memory? Sure, it keeps him close to Caldonia, but he continues to layer on stories of Henry's generosity, hard work and intelligence. Henry betrayed Moses in the worst way possible. Is Moses really interested in this end game? Or is he building up to his own betrayal?
— Jul 29, 2023 09:44AM
Matthew McElroy
is on page 243 of 388
The story is really coming around. It feels as if Jones works hard to make sure that every word he chooses is the right one. He combines the best of Vonnegut's stark writing and McBride's willingness to describe a physical scene as thoroughly as possible, while also including its emotional impact on the character.
— Jul 28, 2023 09:29AM
Matthew McElroy
is on page 220 of 388
I was going to say Stamford was the worst, because he is kinda weird and kinda icky. But talk about a full 180.
Travis though? Travis is the actual worst. In a novel about antebellum slavery, it takes a lousy human to be the worst.
Still weighing how I feel about Jones creating these characters. Some of his character building feels dangerously close to stereotyping.
— Jul 26, 2023 02:12PM
Travis though? Travis is the actual worst. In a novel about antebellum slavery, it takes a lousy human to be the worst.
Still weighing how I feel about Jones creating these characters. Some of his character building feels dangerously close to stereotyping.
Matthew McElroy
is on page 181 of 388
Started a few days ago. It is an impressive read. Jones is an immensely talented writer. At the beginning, I was dubious about a story of a Black slave owner in antebellum Virginia. Jones couldn't have known 20 years ago, but we have finally reached a point in the revising of history where people are arguing that slavery was good.
Even a detailed, nuanced story of a Black slave owner can be problematic today.
— Jul 25, 2023 07:59AM
Even a detailed, nuanced story of a Black slave owner can be problematic today.
