Losing Absalom

by Alexs D. Pate

Losing Absalom is the gripping story of one man, one family and one community. Their tale of contemporary tragedy and uncertain triumph is, however, as relevant as tomorrow's headlines.

Genres: African American, Fiction, The United States Of America

220 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1994

About the author

Alexs pate is an Assistant Professor in African American and African Studies at the University of Minnesota, where he teaches courses in writing and black literature, including a course on “The Poetry of Rap.” He also teaches fiction writing at the University of Southern Maine’s Stonecoast M.F.A. program in Portland, Maine.

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tragic look at the noble futility of individual struggle and failure of respectability politics in the face of systematic and institutionalized racism. Also recommend the excellent audiobook edition of West of Rehoboth as a companion Pate read.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A former teacher of mine; fantastic story that takes control of you.

[Alex Liuzzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.8 - (did not finish) Nothing inherently wrong with the book, and maybe it was more consequential 45 years ago, looking at a Black family and the dynamics of a blur collar middle class life in Philadelphia. But it felt formulaic, flat characters meant to represent a single experience to offer a collective breadth of Black experience. None of the relationships felt deep and the interspersed narrative elements of the sick man were awkward.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel speaks volumes about parents’ dreams for their children, generational dreams and why Black Lives Matter. Racism is an evil blight that will continue to destroy individuals, though they “live by the rules” and “buy the hype of individual success” because they are black.

[Eli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably shouldn't have finished this right before bed. The sharp left turn of the ending kept me up for several hours. Still trying to sort out how I feel about it.

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really appreciated this read. Powerful, peopled with vital personalities, and a grand story to tell.
For me, simply a superb novel.