The Known World: A Novel

“A masterpiece that deserves a place in the American literary canon.” (Time )“A strong, intricate, daring book by a writer of deep compassion and uncommon gifts.” (Peter Matthiessen )“’The Known World’ is a great novel, one that may eventually be placed with the best of American Literature.” (San Diego Union-Tribune )“Astonishingly rich. . .The particulars and consequences of the ‘right’ of humans to own other humans are dramatized with unprecedented ingenuity and intensity, in a harrowing tale that scarcely ever raises its voice. . . . It should be a major prize contender.” (Kirkus Reviews (starred) )“A stunning debut novel.” (Atlanta Journal-Constitution )“Destined for a permanent spot on the...shelf of great American novels about slavery, next to Morrison...and Faulkner.” (Boston Globe )“Beautifully written . . .[it] ought to enjoy the massive readership that Charles Frazier’s runaway hit, Cold Mountain did.” (USA Today )“Vivid....[An] epic novel.” (Book Magazine )“A profoundly beautiful and insightful look at American slavery and human nature.” (Booklist (starred) )“Jones has written a book of tremendous moral intricacy.” (The New Yorker )“If Jones. . .keeps up this level of work, he’ll equal the best fiction Toni Morrison has written about being black in America.” (Speakeasy )“Once you start the book you are hooked....Consider this novel necessary reading.” (Fort Worth Star-Telegram )“Heartbreaking....fascinating.” (Newsweek )“Fascinating...poignant....[A] complex and fine novel.” (Baltimore Sun )“Breathtaking....A fascinating counterweight to Toni Morrison’s Beloved....It is essential reading.” (Entertainment Weekly )“An incredible saga.” (Essence )“A major achievement.” (Time Out New York )“Fascinating . . .There is grief and fear, genuine affection an envy in this complex and fine novel.” (Philadelphia Inquirer )“Complex, beautifully written, and breathtaking...the book will knock the wind out of you with the depth of its compassion.” (QBR: The Black Book Review )“Stunning....His first novel is...likely to win acclaim.” (New York Times )“Stunning....Pitch-perfect....Too much cannot be said about Mr. Jones gifts as a storyteller and a stylist.” (The Washington Times )“Brilliant...Jones’ novel movingly evokes one small landscape of a larger map that so stubbornly yields up its truths today” (St. Louis Post-Dispatch )“[A] powerful, multigenerational saga.” (Chicago Tribune Books )“A grand and inspired work of historical fiction. . .[It] deserves every word of praise that comes its way.” (Chicago Tribune Books )“A masterpiece that deserves a place in the American literary canon.” (Time magazine )“This...magical novel will touch you in a profound way.” (People (4-Starred Critic's Choice) )“Brilliant....Glorious....[The Known World] belongs on the shelf with other classics of slavery, like Toni Morrison’s “Beloved.” (Atlanta Journal-Constitution )” An exemplar of historical fiction. . . [it] will subdue your preconceptions, enrich your perceptions and trouble your sleep.. . .The way Jones tells this story. . .recalls Cormac McCarthy, William Faulkner and Gabriel Garcia Marquez.” (Starred Library Journal )“Extraordinary.....Nothing...quite prepares readers for the imaginative leaps and technical prowess of ‘The Known World.’” (Seattle Times )“Heartrending....[The Known World] walks with the pace and solemnity of the Bible.” (Dallas Morning News )” An exemplar of historical fiction. . . [it] will subdue your preconceptions, enrich your perceptions and trouble your sleep.. . .The way Jones tells this story. . .recalls Cormac McCarthy, William Faulkner and Gabriel Garcia Marquez.” (Newsday )“One of those rare works of fiction that both wound and heal.” (O Magazine )