Isaac's Song
*From the Viral Clark Atlanta University Commencement Speaker* The beloved author of Don't Cry for Me and Perfect Peace returns with a poignant, emotionally exuberant novel about a young queer Black man finding his voice in 1980s Chicago--a 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 didn't 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 catalysts--the AIDS crisis and Rodney King's attack--collectively extinguish his hard-earned joy. At a therapist's 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 nation's dark past. But a surprise discovery will either unlock the truths he's seeking or threaten to derail the life he's fought so hard to claim. Poignant, sweeping and luminously told, Isaac's Song is a return to the beloved characters of Don't Cry for Me and a high-water mark in the career of an award-winning author.
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What an incredible story! Daniel Black's Isaac's Song dives deep into the complexities of a father-son relationship, showing how two people from vastly different worlds are, in many ways, not so different after all. Isaac's journey into his ancestry, his encounters with racism as an adult, and his exploration of the Black struggle—topics shielded from him during childhood as a form of protection—are masterfully portrayed. This journey not only deepens his understanding of his father but also beautifully mirrors his path toward self-discovery and self-acceptance. The story feels incredibly real, portraying forgiveness as something that takes time and reminding us that self-love can be a lifelong journey where the most important thing is to keep trying.
The second half introduces a moving metaphor through Isaac's written story of two enslaved brothers, reflecting his father's struggles and the inherited trauma of his people. While it slows the pacing a bit, it adds another layer of depth to an already powerful narrative. This book reads like a memoir—intimate, engrossing, and utterly unforgettable. There is so much to this story that I can't even begin to address it all here. A must read. I'm inspired to pick up Don't Cry For Me next. Add this to your 2025 TBR!
Thank you, @htpbooks, for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. #hiveinfluencer