Phillip B. Williams
Phillip B. Williams, an award-winning poet known for his collections "Thief in the Interior" and "Mutiny," has made a notable entry into the world of novels with his debut, "Ours."
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Key Takeaways:
- Author: Phillip B. Williams, known for his acclaimed poetry collections.
- Debut Novel: "Ours," released in February 2024.
- Plot: Follows Saint, a conjuror who frees enslaved people and creates a hidden sanctuary.
- Themes: Freedom, love, community, magical realism, Black surrealism.
- Reception: Praised for its lyrical prose and rich, multilayered narrative.
Phillip B. Williams, an award-winning poet known for his collections "Thief in the Interior" and "Mutiny," has made a notable entry into the world of novels with his debut, "Ours." Published in February 2024, this novel is a sweeping epic that blends elements of historical fiction, magical realism, and Black surrealism to explore themes of freedom, love, and community.
"Ours" is centered around Saint, an enigmatic conjuror who uses her supernatural abilities to liberate enslaved people in the 1830s American South. She establishes a hidden sanctuary for them near St. Louis, a town called Ours, which she shields with her magical powers. However, as Saint's powers begin to wane and external threats arise, the community faces new challenges, questioning the true nature of their freedom and safety (WUNC) (Literary Hub).
Here’s a bit about the book from the publisher:
In this ingenious, sweeping novel, Phillip B. Williams introduces us to an enigmatic woman named Saint, a fearsome conjuror who, in the 1830s, annihilates plantations all over Arkansas to rescue the people enslaved there. She brings those she has freed to a haven of her own creation: a town just north of St. Louis, magically concealed from outsiders, named Ours.
It is in this miraculous place that Saint’s grand experiment?a truly secluded community where her people may flourish?takes root. But although Saint does her best to protect the inhabitants of Ours, over time, her conjure and memories begin to betray her, leaving the town vulnerable to intrusions by newcomers with powers of their own. As the cracks in Saint’s creation are exposed, some begin to wonder whether the community’s safety might be yet another form of bondage.
Set over the course of four decades and steeped in a rich tradition of American literature informed by Black surrealism, mythology, and spirituality, Ours is a stunning exploration of the possibilities and limitations of love and freedom by a writer of capacious vision and talent.
Williams' novel has been praised for its lyrical prose and rich narrative, reflecting his background as a poet. The story spans four decades, capturing the complexities of liberation and the continuous struggle for identity and belonging. "Ours" delves into the tension between the past and the future, and the characters' journey toward self-repair and mutual support highlights the enduring power of the human spirit (Kirkus Reviews) (nb.).
This novel is a tale of historical fiction and a profound meditation on the dynamics of power, resilience, and the collective quest for a better world. Through "Ours," Williams celebrates Black history and offers a poignant commentary on contemporary issues, making it a significant addition to modern literature(Los Angeles Review of Books).
