Isaac's Song

(Hardback, Large Print Edition)

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The beloved author of Dont Cry for Me and Perfect Peace returns with a poignant, emotionally exuberant novel about a young queer Black man finding his voice in 1980s Chicagoa novel of family, forgiveness and perseverance, for fans of The Great Believers and On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous

Isaac is at a crossroads in his young life. Growing up in Missouri, the son of a caustic, hard-driving father, he was conditioned to suppress his artistic pursuits and physical desires, notions that didnt align with a traditional view of masculinity. But now, in late 80s Chicago, Isaac has finally carved out a life of his own. He is sensitive and tenderhearted and has built up the courage to seek out a community. Yet just as he begins to embrace who he is, two social catalyststhe AIDS crisis and Rodney Kings attackcollectively extinguish his hard-earned joy.

At a therapists encouragement, Isaac begins to write down his story. In the process, he taps into a creative energy that will send him on a journey back to his family, his ancestral home in Arkansas and the inherited trauma of the nations dark past. But a surprise discovery will either unlock the truths hes seeking or threaten to derail the life hes fought so hard to claim.

Poignant, sweeping and luminously told, Isaac's Song is a return to the beloved characters of Dont Cry for Me and a high-water mark in the career of an award-winning author.

Reviews

"Black offers a moving chronicle of a grieving queer Black man reflecting on growing up in Chicago... The writing is lyrical... and the character portrait takes on greater dimension as Isaac struggles with forgiving his late father. The authors fans will love this tale of hard-won self-acceptance."Publishers Weekly

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