What do you think?
Rate this book
The Son of Mr. Suleman
From New York Times bestselling author Eric Jerome Dickey—named one of USA Today’s 100 Black Novelists and Fiction Authors You Should Read—comes his final work: an unflinchingly timely novel about history, hearts, and family.
It’s the summer of 2019, and Professor Pi Suleman is a Black man from Memphis with a lot to endure—not only as a Black man in Trump’s America but in his hard-earned career as an adjunct professor. Pi is constantly forced to bite his tongue in the face of one of his tenured colleague’s prejudices and microaggressions. At the same time, he’s being blackmailed by a powerful professor who threatens to claim he has assaulted her, when in fact the truth is just the opposite, trapping him in a he-said-she-said with a white woman that, in this society, Pi knows he will never win.
When he meets Gemma Buckingham, a sophisticated entrepreneur who has just moved to Memphis from London to escape a deep heartbreak, things begin to look up. Though Gemma and Pi hail from separate cultures, their differences fuel a fiery and passionate connection that just may consume them both.
But Pi’s whirlwind romance is interrupted when his absentee father, a celebrated writer, passes away and Pi is called to Los Angeles to both collect his inheritance and learn about the man who never acknowledged him. With the complicated legacy of his famous father to make sense of, Gemma’s visa expiration date looming, and the threats of his colleague becoming increasingly intense, Pi must figure out who he is and what kind of man he will become in his father’s shadow.
In The Son of Mr. Suleman, Eric Jerome Dickey takes readers on a powerful journey exploring racism, colorism, life as a mixed-race person, sexual assault, microaggressions, truth and lies, cultural differences, politics, family legacies, perceptions, the impact of enslavement and Jim Crow, code-switching, the power of death, and the weight of love. It is an extraordinary story, page-turning and intense, and a book only Dickey could write.
It’s the summer of 2019, and Professor Pi Suleman is a Black man from Memphis with a lot to endure—not only as a Black man in Trump’s America but in his hard-earned career as an adjunct professor. Pi is constantly forced to bite his tongue in the face of one of his tenured colleague’s prejudices and microaggressions. At the same time, he’s being blackmailed by a powerful professor who threatens to claim he has assaulted her, when in fact the truth is just the opposite, trapping him in a he-said-she-said with a white woman that, in this society, Pi knows he will never win.
When he meets Gemma Buckingham, a sophisticated entrepreneur who has just moved to Memphis from London to escape a deep heartbreak, things begin to look up. Though Gemma and Pi hail from separate cultures, their differences fuel a fiery and passionate connection that just may consume them both.
But Pi’s whirlwind romance is interrupted when his absentee father, a celebrated writer, passes away and Pi is called to Los Angeles to both collect his inheritance and learn about the man who never acknowledged him. With the complicated legacy of his famous father to make sense of, Gemma’s visa expiration date looming, and the threats of his colleague becoming increasingly intense, Pi must figure out who he is and what kind of man he will become in his father’s shadow.
In The Son of Mr. Suleman, Eric Jerome Dickey takes readers on a powerful journey exploring racism, colorism, life as a mixed-race person, sexual assault, microaggressions, truth and lies, cultural differences, politics, family legacies, perceptions, the impact of enslavement and Jim Crow, code-switching, the power of death, and the weight of love. It is an extraordinary story, page-turning and intense, and a book only Dickey could write.
560 pages, ebook
First published April 20, 2021
381 people are currently reading
2218 people want to read
About the author
Eric Jerome Dickey
60 books3,625 followersEric Jerome Dickey was born in Memphis, Tennessee and attended the University of Memphis (the former Memphis State), where he earned his degree in Computer System Technology. In 1983, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in engineering.
After landing a job in the aerospace industry as a software developer, Eric Jerome Dickey's artistic talents surfaced, inspiring him to become an actor and a stand-up comedian. Yet Eric quickly found out that writing was something he could do and do well. From creative writing classes to avidly consuming the works of his favorite authors, Eric Jerome Dickey began to shape a writing career of his own. Having written several scripts for his personal comedy act, he started writing poetry and short stories. "The film work gave me insight into character development, the acting classes helped me understand motivation...All of it goes hand in hand," Eric explains. He joined the IBWA (International Black Writers and Artists), participated in their development workshops, and became a recipient of the IBWA SEED Scholarship to attend UCLA's Creative Writing classes. In 1994 his first published short story, "Thirteen," appeared in the IBWA's River Crossing: Voices of the Diaspora-An Anthology of the International Black Experience. A second short story, "Days Gone By," was published in the magazine A Place to Enter.
With those successes behind him, Eric Jerome Dickey decided to fine-tune some of his earlier work and developed a screenplay called "Cappuccino." "Cappuccino" was directed and produced by Craig Ross, Jr. and appeared in coffee houses around the Los Angeles area. In February 1998, "Cappuccino" made its local debut during the Pan African Film Festival at the Magic Johnson Theater in Los Angeles.
Short stories, though, didn't seem to fulfill Eric Jerome Dickey's creative yearnings. Eric says, "I'd set out to do a ten-page story and it would go on for three hundred pages." So Eric kept writing and reading and sending out query letters for his novels for almost three years until he finally got an agent. "Then a door opened," Eric says. "And I put my foot in before they could close it." And that door has remained opened, as Eric Jerome Dickey's novels have placed him on the map as one of the best writers of contemporary urban fiction.
Eric Jerome Dickey's book signing tours for Sister, Sister; Friends and Lovers; Milk in My Coffee; Cheaters; and Liar's Game took him from coast to coast and helped propel each of these novels to #1 on the "Blackboard Bestsellers List." Cheaters was named "Blackboard Book of the Year" in 2000. In June 2000, Eric Jerome Dickey celebrated the French publication of Milk in My Coffee (Cafe Noisette) by embarking on a book tour to Paris. Soon after, Milk in My Coffee became a bestseller in France. Eric Jerome Dickey's novels, Chasing Destiny, Liar's Game, Between Lovers, Thieves' Paradise, The Other Woman, Drive Me Crazy, Genevieve, Naughty or Nice, Sleeping with Strangers, Waking with Enemies, and Pleasure have all earned him the success of a spot on The New York Times bestseller list. Liar's Game, Thieves' Paradise, The Other Woman, and Genevieve have also given Dickey the added distinction of being nominated for an NAACP Image Award in the category of Outstanding Literary Work in 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2005. In 2006, he was honored with the awards for Best Contemporary Fiction and Author of the Year (Male) at the 2006 African American Literary Award Show. In 2008, Eric was nominated for Storyteller of the Year at the 1st annual ESSENCE Literary Awards. In January 2001, Eric Jerome Dickey was a contributor to New American Library's anthology Got To Be Real: Four Original Love Stories, also a Blackboard Bestseller. He also had a story entitled “Fish Sanwich” appear in the anthology Mothers and Sons. In June 2002, Dickey contributed to Black Silk: A Collection of African American Erotica (Warner Books) as well as to Riots Beneath the Baobab (published by Inte
After landing a job in the aerospace industry as a software developer, Eric Jerome Dickey's artistic talents surfaced, inspiring him to become an actor and a stand-up comedian. Yet Eric quickly found out that writing was something he could do and do well. From creative writing classes to avidly consuming the works of his favorite authors, Eric Jerome Dickey began to shape a writing career of his own. Having written several scripts for his personal comedy act, he started writing poetry and short stories. "The film work gave me insight into character development, the acting classes helped me understand motivation...All of it goes hand in hand," Eric explains. He joined the IBWA (International Black Writers and Artists), participated in their development workshops, and became a recipient of the IBWA SEED Scholarship to attend UCLA's Creative Writing classes. In 1994 his first published short story, "Thirteen," appeared in the IBWA's River Crossing: Voices of the Diaspora-An Anthology of the International Black Experience. A second short story, "Days Gone By," was published in the magazine A Place to Enter.
With those successes behind him, Eric Jerome Dickey decided to fine-tune some of his earlier work and developed a screenplay called "Cappuccino." "Cappuccino" was directed and produced by Craig Ross, Jr. and appeared in coffee houses around the Los Angeles area. In February 1998, "Cappuccino" made its local debut during the Pan African Film Festival at the Magic Johnson Theater in Los Angeles.
Short stories, though, didn't seem to fulfill Eric Jerome Dickey's creative yearnings. Eric says, "I'd set out to do a ten-page story and it would go on for three hundred pages." So Eric kept writing and reading and sending out query letters for his novels for almost three years until he finally got an agent. "Then a door opened," Eric says. "And I put my foot in before they could close it." And that door has remained opened, as Eric Jerome Dickey's novels have placed him on the map as one of the best writers of contemporary urban fiction.
Eric Jerome Dickey's book signing tours for Sister, Sister; Friends and Lovers; Milk in My Coffee; Cheaters; and Liar's Game took him from coast to coast and helped propel each of these novels to #1 on the "Blackboard Bestsellers List." Cheaters was named "Blackboard Book of the Year" in 2000. In June 2000, Eric Jerome Dickey celebrated the French publication of Milk in My Coffee (Cafe Noisette) by embarking on a book tour to Paris. Soon after, Milk in My Coffee became a bestseller in France. Eric Jerome Dickey's novels, Chasing Destiny, Liar's Game, Between Lovers, Thieves' Paradise, The Other Woman, Drive Me Crazy, Genevieve, Naughty or Nice, Sleeping with Strangers, Waking with Enemies, and Pleasure have all earned him the success of a spot on The New York Times bestseller list. Liar's Game, Thieves' Paradise, The Other Woman, and Genevieve have also given Dickey the added distinction of being nominated for an NAACP Image Award in the category of Outstanding Literary Work in 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2005. In 2006, he was honored with the awards for Best Contemporary Fiction and Author of the Year (Male) at the 2006 African American Literary Award Show. In 2008, Eric was nominated for Storyteller of the Year at the 1st annual ESSENCE Literary Awards. In January 2001, Eric Jerome Dickey was a contributor to New American Library's anthology Got To Be Real: Four Original Love Stories, also a Blackboard Bestseller. He also had a story entitled “Fish Sanwich” appear in the anthology Mothers and Sons. In June 2002, Dickey contributed to Black Silk: A Collection of African American Erotica (Warner Books) as well as to Riots Beneath the Baobab (published by Inte
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
May 2, 2021
So sorry...but I was drained. The book kept going ‘round and ‘round only to end up where he needed to be all along...across the street. I got tired of being “woke” and endless cosplay sex scenes. I got the premise...but still felt worn out.
April 30, 2023
The last published novel before succumbing to cancer at 59 is one of Mr. Dickey's very bests. I love this incredible, spot on story! 10 of 10 stars!
March 31, 2021
The story follows Pi Maurice Suleman, a black adjunct professor and published author in Memphis, Tennessee. While attending a gala for the University he teaches at, Pi meets a mysterious and stunningly beautiful, mixed race British woman named Gemma Buckingham and endures a tense encounter with his boss, Dr. Helen Stone-Calhoun.
We quickly learn that Dr. Stone-Calhoun has Professor Suleman on a very short leash. Pi endures sexual assault and harrassment when his career is threatened if he does not comply. Dr. Stone-Calhoun abuses her power and brandishes her "Karen-ness" in an all to common he said she said that the Black man hardly ever wins.
In an attempt to ease the stress, Pi begins a fun and steamy relationship with Gemma Buckingham. The successful and guarded Gemma is looking to heal her broken heart but is often triggered by Pi's southern way of life, American racism and has secrets of her own that prove to be a heavy load.
While she and Professor Suleman fall deeper in love, the untimely death of his father occurs. The illegitimate son of famed author Archimedes Maurice Suleman is now tasked with honoring the last will and testament of a father he does not know and a man he resents. Pi learns about the man he never knew, the eerie similarities they share and finds strength in being a Suleman.
EJD touches on many issues: harrassment, white privilege, sexual assault, Jim Crow, racism, colorism, transphobia, passing, black lives matter, abandonment, etc. The role reversal of a black male sexual assault victim was intriguing and very well done. Pi not only endures the typical victim blaming and shame but has the added trauma of the Strong Black Man syndrome forcing him to carry this load alone until it lightens or breaks him entirely.
I could've done without the character of Komorebi Jackson and her pointless antics with ancillary characters that also could have been cut. The issues addressed were already explored and in better detail with the main players of the story. It just seemed redundant and she annoyed me.
All in all, another enjoyable page turner for me from the late Eric Jerome Dickey. Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Group Dutton for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
We quickly learn that Dr. Stone-Calhoun has Professor Suleman on a very short leash. Pi endures sexual assault and harrassment when his career is threatened if he does not comply. Dr. Stone-Calhoun abuses her power and brandishes her "Karen-ness" in an all to common he said she said that the Black man hardly ever wins.
In an attempt to ease the stress, Pi begins a fun and steamy relationship with Gemma Buckingham. The successful and guarded Gemma is looking to heal her broken heart but is often triggered by Pi's southern way of life, American racism and has secrets of her own that prove to be a heavy load.
While she and Professor Suleman fall deeper in love, the untimely death of his father occurs. The illegitimate son of famed author Archimedes Maurice Suleman is now tasked with honoring the last will and testament of a father he does not know and a man he resents. Pi learns about the man he never knew, the eerie similarities they share and finds strength in being a Suleman.
EJD touches on many issues: harrassment, white privilege, sexual assault, Jim Crow, racism, colorism, transphobia, passing, black lives matter, abandonment, etc. The role reversal of a black male sexual assault victim was intriguing and very well done. Pi not only endures the typical victim blaming and shame but has the added trauma of the Strong Black Man syndrome forcing him to carry this load alone until it lightens or breaks him entirely.
I could've done without the character of Komorebi Jackson and her pointless antics with ancillary characters that also could have been cut. The issues addressed were already explored and in better detail with the main players of the story. It just seemed redundant and she annoyed me.
All in all, another enjoyable page turner for me from the late Eric Jerome Dickey. Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Group Dutton for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2021
“Love makes everybody a little mad. And blind. Love distorts. You see what you want to see, see it how you want to see it. And justify. They lie to you and you lie to yourself on their behalf.”
So much to say. So much to unpack. So many topics that are now, relevant, and need to be discussed. This isn’t Milk in My Coffee. This isn’t Finding Gideon. This is growth. This is evolution. This is Mr. Dickey’s final gift to us and it’s worth being celebrated!
So much to say. So much to unpack. So many topics that are now, relevant, and need to be discussed. This isn’t Milk in My Coffee. This isn’t Finding Gideon. This is growth. This is evolution. This is Mr. Dickey’s final gift to us and it’s worth being celebrated!
June 15, 2021
The Son of Mr. Suleman: A Novel Audible Logo Audible Audiobook – Unabridged
Eric Jerome Dickey (Author), Dion Graham (Narrator), Random House Audio (Publisher)
Length: 16 hrs and 35 mins
You know that feeling when you read a book by an author you have never read before, and you want to read more. But then, you find out that the author died this year and that some long-time fans didn't like this one because it is unlike his other work. Sigh, I bet Germans have a single word for it.
Eric Jerome Dickey (Author), Dion Graham (Narrator), Random House Audio (Publisher)
Length: 16 hrs and 35 mins
You know that feeling when you read a book by an author you have never read before, and you want to read more. But then, you find out that the author died this year and that some long-time fans didn't like this one because it is unlike his other work. Sigh, I bet Germans have a single word for it.
December 23, 2020
Wow. Just wow!! I am a lover of Mr. Eric Jerome Dickey's work. After reading Son of Mr. Suleman I am dealing with a gauntlet of emotions. This novel sent me through so may feels and it took me days to gather my thoughts for this review. As Mr. Dickey stated this novel hits so many different subjects of old and new. This books covers everything: racism, colorism, enslavement, transphobia, bi-racial issues, sexual assault in the work place, cultural differences, Jim Crow, politics, self-love, pedophilia, and perception.
Pi Suleman is just a black man from Memphis trying to survive in a work environment that many feel he does not belong. He has never met his father in life but he meets him in death. He has to deal with many issues involving so many people while trying to just survive his own day to day lazy man load. He has an amazing mother who bet the odds of life after having him as a teen with Mr. Suleman who Pi feels was a pedophile for sleeping with his teen mother. He is the product of this affair. He meets a woman from London who is not who she appears to be, but Pi is taking with her and pursue her with everything to escape a volitale relationship with a co-worker. She helps him to escape while she is escaping her on troubles.
Pi works out many unfinished situations his father leaves behind while learning who the father he never met is. He wants to convince Gemma Buckingham to stay in America with him but she chooses to run back to London.
Pi is still left to deal with the aggressive co-worker and his other problems alone and discover a relationship with someone who he has seen everyday for the last five years. He yearns for Gemma, but finds something more fulfilling.
Pi wears the weight of a lot of others problem while dealing with a load lesser men would crumble under. He has a great support system, but he travels the road of trouble alone. I loved his mother's strength and her humor. I wish I would have learned more about his siblings "Momma's fastest swimmers" but maybe we will get an update later🙏🏼🙏🏼.
I'm overjoyed that Pi finds peace, solace, and happiness. I am also please with whom he finds these things. Son of Mr. Suleman highlights that when life throws hard punches, it is not about the size of the dog, but the fight within the dog. Pi lost a few people throughout this journey but he gain some really good people along the way.
Last lesson is in love we learn that some people are leaves on our tree of the heart and other are roots that are meant to keep us grounded for a lifetime.
This ride is a bumpy and tumultuous one but so worth taking. I give this novel 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and hope we see more of Pi Suleman, Roger de groot, Widow Fatima, Momma Infinity, Mo Fo, Pokey, and Momma's Fastest Swimmers. I wouldn't even be upset if Ms. Gemma Buckingham came back and shook things up a little.😏
This is my honest and most humble opinion. Thanks to Netgally and the Penguin Putnam Inc. for allow me to read and review this novel.
Pi Suleman is just a black man from Memphis trying to survive in a work environment that many feel he does not belong. He has never met his father in life but he meets him in death. He has to deal with many issues involving so many people while trying to just survive his own day to day lazy man load. He has an amazing mother who bet the odds of life after having him as a teen with Mr. Suleman who Pi feels was a pedophile for sleeping with his teen mother. He is the product of this affair. He meets a woman from London who is not who she appears to be, but Pi is taking with her and pursue her with everything to escape a volitale relationship with a co-worker. She helps him to escape while she is escaping her on troubles.
Pi works out many unfinished situations his father leaves behind while learning who the father he never met is. He wants to convince Gemma Buckingham to stay in America with him but she chooses to run back to London.
Pi is still left to deal with the aggressive co-worker and his other problems alone and discover a relationship with someone who he has seen everyday for the last five years. He yearns for Gemma, but finds something more fulfilling.
Pi wears the weight of a lot of others problem while dealing with a load lesser men would crumble under. He has a great support system, but he travels the road of trouble alone. I loved his mother's strength and her humor. I wish I would have learned more about his siblings "Momma's fastest swimmers" but maybe we will get an update later🙏🏼🙏🏼.
I'm overjoyed that Pi finds peace, solace, and happiness. I am also please with whom he finds these things. Son of Mr. Suleman highlights that when life throws hard punches, it is not about the size of the dog, but the fight within the dog. Pi lost a few people throughout this journey but he gain some really good people along the way.
Last lesson is in love we learn that some people are leaves on our tree of the heart and other are roots that are meant to keep us grounded for a lifetime.
This ride is a bumpy and tumultuous one but so worth taking. I give this novel 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and hope we see more of Pi Suleman, Roger de groot, Widow Fatima, Momma Infinity, Mo Fo, Pokey, and Momma's Fastest Swimmers. I wouldn't even be upset if Ms. Gemma Buckingham came back and shook things up a little.😏
This is my honest and most humble opinion. Thanks to Netgally and the Penguin Putnam Inc. for allow me to read and review this novel.
June 10, 2021
“𝐻𝑜𝑤 𝑑𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑗𝑢𝑑𝑔𝑒 𝑎 𝑛𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑙, 𝑏𝑦 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑟, 𝑜𝑟 𝑏𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑟𝑒 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘?...“
You guys, I finished this book and ugly cried.
Professor Pi Sulemon is a Black man in the south - Memphis, TN - who is being sexually harassed and blackmailed by his boss, while falling in love with a mysterious woman from London. In the midst of all of this, his estranged father dies leaving Pi to settle his affairs. What a tangled web…
I purposely took more time with this story, I didn’t want it to ever end. Because the book was so remarkably good, and the ending would signify that it would be my last EJD to be read. My heart hurts. Mr. Dickey’s stories deeply impacted me over the last 15 years of my life, carrying me from girlhood to adulthood.
This story was insanely good. A black man’s experience coming from a black man’s experience. Deep. Maddening. Blunt. Humorous. Honest. Right on time. There were so many quips sprinkled throughout that I felt deep in my spirit.
I loved everything but I’ll highlight a few points:
❣︎The uniqueness of the story. How often do you read about men being sexually harassed? Is this a real thing that we take seriously?
❣︎Sulemon’s student, Komorebi, pointing out how Black lit is different, but not less than, and not backing down from getting what she deserved.
❣︎Pi learning about his father through his best friend’s stories
❣︎I loved the dialogues with his Mama
❣︎The Cosmic sex! Hot sex on a platter! 🥵
Although I loved the story, in true SweetTea fashion, I had a few qualms.
❥I loved the sex, but it overpowered the story.
❥The story felt incomplete, and I felt “justice” wasn’t served how it should have been.
❥The story started on one course, but shifted into a few other directions.
❥Dialogue overload. 100 pages in dialogue could’ve been eliminated.
This is an excellent, engaging, and mentally stimulating read that sparks thoughtful discussion. EJD touched on a plethora of topics that I’d love to hear different views on; including, colorism, racism, male sexual assault, police brutality, Megan Markle in the royal family and even the infamous Popeyes chicken sandwich foolery.
The narrator, Deon Graham, who narrates The First 48, did a great job narrating Pi, but was terrible with the women’s voices, but I’ll give him a pass 🤣
Many thanks to @duttonbooks for the gifted copy!
You guys, I finished this book and ugly cried.
Professor Pi Sulemon is a Black man in the south - Memphis, TN - who is being sexually harassed and blackmailed by his boss, while falling in love with a mysterious woman from London. In the midst of all of this, his estranged father dies leaving Pi to settle his affairs. What a tangled web…
I purposely took more time with this story, I didn’t want it to ever end. Because the book was so remarkably good, and the ending would signify that it would be my last EJD to be read. My heart hurts. Mr. Dickey’s stories deeply impacted me over the last 15 years of my life, carrying me from girlhood to adulthood.
This story was insanely good. A black man’s experience coming from a black man’s experience. Deep. Maddening. Blunt. Humorous. Honest. Right on time. There were so many quips sprinkled throughout that I felt deep in my spirit.
I loved everything but I’ll highlight a few points:
❣︎The uniqueness of the story. How often do you read about men being sexually harassed? Is this a real thing that we take seriously?
❣︎Sulemon’s student, Komorebi, pointing out how Black lit is different, but not less than, and not backing down from getting what she deserved.
❣︎Pi learning about his father through his best friend’s stories
❣︎I loved the dialogues with his Mama
❣︎The Cosmic sex! Hot sex on a platter! 🥵
Although I loved the story, in true SweetTea fashion, I had a few qualms.
❥I loved the sex, but it overpowered the story.
❥The story felt incomplete, and I felt “justice” wasn’t served how it should have been.
❥The story started on one course, but shifted into a few other directions.
❥Dialogue overload. 100 pages in dialogue could’ve been eliminated.
This is an excellent, engaging, and mentally stimulating read that sparks thoughtful discussion. EJD touched on a plethora of topics that I’d love to hear different views on; including, colorism, racism, male sexual assault, police brutality, Megan Markle in the royal family and even the infamous Popeyes chicken sandwich foolery.
The narrator, Deon Graham, who narrates The First 48, did a great job narrating Pi, but was terrible with the women’s voices, but I’ll give him a pass 🤣
Many thanks to @duttonbooks for the gifted copy!
May 31, 2021
Admittedly, I had not read Eric Jerome Dickey in years and while I enjoyed his early works, I found them to be repetitive in style, theme, and delivery. My literary interests changed and veered toward other genres and writers and sadly his work never found its way back onto my collections. With his recent passing and raves for his last novel, I requested The Son of Mr. Suleman for review.
Fans of EJD will not be disappointed, it’s filled with witty banter between beautifully eccentric characters with equally intriguing backgrounds - a mainstay in his novels. In this latest and final tome, we have a protagonist in pursuit of a relationship but is saddled with family issues amid racism, classism, power dynamics, and identity and integrity crisis -- all timely and socially relevant topics.
However, I struggled through this novel -- it was a very slow start for me, and would have abandoned it, but it is a NetGalley review book and I was committed to provide a review. That’s not to say it’s a “bad” book -- again, there is a lot to unpack within the heavy (and lengthy) dialogue sequences and the detailed character development passages. There was a lot of place setting, so those with patience will appreciate the EJD signature “romance” scenes, trademark humor, and the slow build to the climax -- in fact, a lot of readers may have no issues with the pacing and absolutely LOVE it. Unfortunately, I found it to have the same formulaic vibe from other EJD novels which reminded me of why I stopped reading him.
Thank you NetGalley and Dutton for the opportunity to provide an honest review.
Fans of EJD will not be disappointed, it’s filled with witty banter between beautifully eccentric characters with equally intriguing backgrounds - a mainstay in his novels. In this latest and final tome, we have a protagonist in pursuit of a relationship but is saddled with family issues amid racism, classism, power dynamics, and identity and integrity crisis -- all timely and socially relevant topics.
However, I struggled through this novel -- it was a very slow start for me, and would have abandoned it, but it is a NetGalley review book and I was committed to provide a review. That’s not to say it’s a “bad” book -- again, there is a lot to unpack within the heavy (and lengthy) dialogue sequences and the detailed character development passages. There was a lot of place setting, so those with patience will appreciate the EJD signature “romance” scenes, trademark humor, and the slow build to the climax -- in fact, a lot of readers may have no issues with the pacing and absolutely LOVE it. Unfortunately, I found it to have the same formulaic vibe from other EJD novels which reminded me of why I stopped reading him.
Thank you NetGalley and Dutton for the opportunity to provide an honest review.
June 14, 2021
Can We Say SoapBox.....lol....True to form EJD was truly 1ofTheBest!! Dickey perfects the Art of Writing&Storytelling with his perspectives about life’s issues and Ppl&Their behaviors in today’s social climate. And these observations are rather keen. Sympathetically aware but mostly Empathetically knowing, Dickey utilizes his craft (with a bit of humor, I might add) to exhibit such understanding of life’s challenges for BlackMen&Women. Using great character development to illustrate that these present behaviors are honestly no different from the DaysOfOld. I definitely enjoyed this read (well, Listen...lol). And the added Bonus Dion Graham!!
abandoned
January 30, 2023I give up. This book is too depressing. Not only is the constant talk of racism relentless (and not adding anything new to the conversation), but the main character keeps getting sexually assaulted/threatened with sexual assault. I just can't. And I tried it in print and audio.
Also, everyone, I promise you that most professors are not that pretentious. Good grief.
Also, everyone, I promise you that most professors are not that pretentious. Good grief.
March 22, 2021
I received this ARC from NetGalley.
The Son of Mr. Suleman focuses on the life of a Black professor living in Memphis, TN. Professor Pi Maurice Suleman meets a mysterious woman from London and they immediately fall for each other. As their romance unfolds, Pi is struggling to deal with being blackmailed by his boss. To pile on to his misery, he has to deal with the death of his estranged father, Mr. Suleman.
As Pi’s story unfolds, we meet a colorful supporting cast. We learn about his siblings and neighbors. We also meet his mother who refers to herself in third person throughout the book. I found that to be cringeworthy. Although there are a lot of characters, they all seem necessary to tell the story of this man trying to survive in Trump’s America.
I struggled to connect with this book in the beginning. At times, it just felt like he was rambling. He seemed to be trying too hard to be witty. It came off as nonsensical. I noticed that he repeated certain words and phrases a lot. For example, he used the word bellicose nineteen times. I was determined to finish the book simply because it’s the work of EJD. I didn’t get pulled into the story until I was at the 40% mark. All of a sudden I was so invested in how the story would unfold. It was a wild, winding road, but the final destination made it worth it for me.
I would advise potential readers to be patient enough to let the whole story develop. I would also caution them that he tackles heavy subjects like rape, colorism, racism, police brutality, and pedophilia. This is not a cozy, lighthearted book. It’s blunt and in your face.
Despite the slow start, I can confidently say that this a 4 star read. Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Books, and the late, great Mr. Eric Jerome Dickey for the opportunity to review this book.
The Son of Mr. Suleman focuses on the life of a Black professor living in Memphis, TN. Professor Pi Maurice Suleman meets a mysterious woman from London and they immediately fall for each other. As their romance unfolds, Pi is struggling to deal with being blackmailed by his boss. To pile on to his misery, he has to deal with the death of his estranged father, Mr. Suleman.
As Pi’s story unfolds, we meet a colorful supporting cast. We learn about his siblings and neighbors. We also meet his mother who refers to herself in third person throughout the book. I found that to be cringeworthy. Although there are a lot of characters, they all seem necessary to tell the story of this man trying to survive in Trump’s America.
I struggled to connect with this book in the beginning. At times, it just felt like he was rambling. He seemed to be trying too hard to be witty. It came off as nonsensical. I noticed that he repeated certain words and phrases a lot. For example, he used the word bellicose nineteen times. I was determined to finish the book simply because it’s the work of EJD. I didn’t get pulled into the story until I was at the 40% mark. All of a sudden I was so invested in how the story would unfold. It was a wild, winding road, but the final destination made it worth it for me.
I would advise potential readers to be patient enough to let the whole story develop. I would also caution them that he tackles heavy subjects like rape, colorism, racism, police brutality, and pedophilia. This is not a cozy, lighthearted book. It’s blunt and in your face.
Despite the slow start, I can confidently say that this a 4 star read. Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Books, and the late, great Mr. Eric Jerome Dickey for the opportunity to review this book.
April 21, 2021
The Son of Mr. Suleman was the latest book by Eric Jerome Dickey and it touched on a lot of social issues faced in today’s society by black America. While one of the themes dealt with sexual harassment, Pi Suleman finds himself on the unfavorable receiving end of the harassment. While he battles this predicament, he meets the intriguing Gemma Buckingham and attempts to pursue a relationship. However, events occur with Pi dealing with the death of his father, in addition to his budding romance, add in the aggressive co-worker, Pi must come to terms with who he is, and what he could become.
While I had not read an EJD book in years, it took a while to get into this book and it was a struggle to finish. I see where Mr. Dickey’s writing has evolved and this book is proof of that evolution, and he should be applauded for it. However, as I stated this book dealt with a LOT of heavy topics that are still problematic in today’s society.
Mr. Dickey was a master of weaving social topics into his stories and he will be greatly missed.
Note: I received an advance copy from Netgalley
While I had not read an EJD book in years, it took a while to get into this book and it was a struggle to finish. I see where Mr. Dickey’s writing has evolved and this book is proof of that evolution, and he should be applauded for it. However, as I stated this book dealt with a LOT of heavy topics that are still problematic in today’s society.
Mr. Dickey was a master of weaving social topics into his stories and he will be greatly missed.
Note: I received an advance copy from Netgalley
June 3, 2021
I really wanted to like this, as it did have lots of relevant story to it, but the plot was all.over.the.place. I nearly DNF. I get the premise and liked it, but just too much happening but at the same time nothing happening and very little got resolved. Bummer!
March 18, 2021
If you ever wanted to know what it is like to be a black man, this is the read for you. Pi Suleman is a college professor, just trying to live his best life. But like any other black man living on this earth, peace is often unattainable. Pi grows up fatherless, with a teenage mother and an abundance of siblings. Instead of succumbing to the stereotypes, he works to defy the odds.
On Pi Suleman's journey, he loses the father he's never known, Archimedes. "Archimedes is the Greek mathematician who discovered the value of pi." He is raped. He is on a journey to find love. All while searching for himself. The death of his father helps him really delve deep into who he is and who he wants to be. “I am a man made in the cargo hold of ships destined for the shores of America, a man deemed free only because it was sanctioned by the government as an amendment, a man whose freedom was written as an afterthought, yet the cause of a war between the conflicted values of white men. I am a man with family history that has been marinated in four hundred years of racism.”
This story touches on a lot of heavy themes. "The Son of Mr. Suleman (TSOMS) covers a lot of territory. Racism. Colorism. Self-love. Being of mixed race. One-drop rule. Sexual assault at the workplace. Microaggressions. Mendacities as foundation for relationship. Culture differences. Politics. Being the son of a pedophile. Perceptions. The impact of enslavement and Jim Crow. Code switching. The power of death. The weight of love." It was heavy, unlike your typical EJD read, making some parts uncomfortable to read, but not making the story uninteresting. And like any other EJD read, the sex scenes are bountiful.
This book takes place in real time, touching on many current events that are happening right now (i.e.: politics, Meghan Markle's problems with British Royalty, senseless killings of black people by white terrorists and even the Popeyes chicken sandwich.) If EJD had to leave a book to sum up his legacy, this book is it, if only for the themes. Some parts of the story were slow, in my opinion, but considering the author's circumstances, I'm sure any reader would be willing to overlook that. By the time I reached the climax of the story, I could not flip the pages fast enough. This was a woke, thought provoking read that I'm glad I got to experience. Rest in paradise Eric Jerome Dickey.
On Pi Suleman's journey, he loses the father he's never known, Archimedes. "Archimedes is the Greek mathematician who discovered the value of pi." He is raped. He is on a journey to find love. All while searching for himself. The death of his father helps him really delve deep into who he is and who he wants to be. “I am a man made in the cargo hold of ships destined for the shores of America, a man deemed free only because it was sanctioned by the government as an amendment, a man whose freedom was written as an afterthought, yet the cause of a war between the conflicted values of white men. I am a man with family history that has been marinated in four hundred years of racism.”
This story touches on a lot of heavy themes. "The Son of Mr. Suleman (TSOMS) covers a lot of territory. Racism. Colorism. Self-love. Being of mixed race. One-drop rule. Sexual assault at the workplace. Microaggressions. Mendacities as foundation for relationship. Culture differences. Politics. Being the son of a pedophile. Perceptions. The impact of enslavement and Jim Crow. Code switching. The power of death. The weight of love." It was heavy, unlike your typical EJD read, making some parts uncomfortable to read, but not making the story uninteresting. And like any other EJD read, the sex scenes are bountiful.
This book takes place in real time, touching on many current events that are happening right now (i.e.: politics, Meghan Markle's problems with British Royalty, senseless killings of black people by white terrorists and even the Popeyes chicken sandwich.) If EJD had to leave a book to sum up his legacy, this book is it, if only for the themes. Some parts of the story were slow, in my opinion, but considering the author's circumstances, I'm sure any reader would be willing to overlook that. By the time I reached the climax of the story, I could not flip the pages fast enough. This was a woke, thought provoking read that I'm glad I got to experience. Rest in paradise Eric Jerome Dickey.
March 25, 2023
Only the late Eric Jerome Dickey could literally weave a lyrically "Correct" Work of Artistry. "The Son of Mr. Suleman" is a phenomenal story of Professor
Pi Suleman, a Black man living in Memphis. Amongst white Supremacists, racial comments, and so much more...Pi Suleman has so much Determination and Love for his Family.
This book reminded me the reasons I adored "The Liar's Game." It was my first time reading any of his Books. But, "Genevieve" Topped that one! But, Mr. Eric Jerome Dickey's play on words in this book is nothing less of SHEER Brilliance! In order to catch all the Pure KNOWLEDGE, You will have to know song lyrics, actual events from the news, Historical facts, etc. I'm so glad I decided to listen to the audiobook because of the several different characters. And, It was a True Pleasure listening to Dion Graham as the narrator. I loved hearing the conversations with his Mom, Hilarious! And, Gemma. Lol.
* I recommend the audiobook for this one *
This Book Ends, Beautifully. Yes, I got teary-eyed just thinking about this as the final book.
Beautifully, Well Done!! ✨️
Pi Suleman, a Black man living in Memphis. Amongst white Supremacists, racial comments, and so much more...Pi Suleman has so much Determination and Love for his Family.
This book reminded me the reasons I adored "The Liar's Game." It was my first time reading any of his Books. But, "Genevieve" Topped that one! But, Mr. Eric Jerome Dickey's play on words in this book is nothing less of SHEER Brilliance! In order to catch all the Pure KNOWLEDGE, You will have to know song lyrics, actual events from the news, Historical facts, etc. I'm so glad I decided to listen to the audiobook because of the several different characters. And, It was a True Pleasure listening to Dion Graham as the narrator. I loved hearing the conversations with his Mom, Hilarious! And, Gemma. Lol.
* I recommend the audiobook for this one *
This Book Ends, Beautifully. Yes, I got teary-eyed just thinking about this as the final book.
Beautifully, Well Done!! ✨️
Read
April 29, 2021Dickey truly left us with something special here. I know he is well known for his erotica drama but in this book, he gave us a little bit of everything, racism, classism, white supremacy, ill-placed power, and a bunch other societal issues and I can’t forget about the humor, listen when I’m reading a sex scene I automatically bust out laughing only because I have yet to meet someone who can do what these authors are describing (do these people really exist tho?) Anyways, the characters dialog had me hollering, when Black folks go in, we go all the way, our clap game is …I haven’t laughed this hard reading a book in a while.
FYI, it would be a sin to not treat yourself to this experience, thank you @Dutton for this gifted copy.
https://www.instagram.com/p/COQXhmPLa...
FYI, it would be a sin to not treat yourself to this experience, thank you @Dutton for this gifted copy.
https://www.instagram.com/p/COQXhmPLa...
May 16, 2021
The tale was the last hoorah for the master of words. The story had so many layers to untangle and so many social issues still prevalent today. The title unnerved me initially. Getting the chance to prattle around in this author's psyche for a final ride was sad and exciting. Professor Pi was an adjunct at a university where the staff treated Pi like a flunky. Dr. Stone-Calhoun was a prude princess and Pi's boss. Her ethics- nonexistent, and the beautiful characters only eclipsed the level of aggravation of their attitudes
Her husband was equally as crude. Additionally, the ancillary characters added the normal EJD fire. Professor Gemma Buckingham was one of the beautiful ones in this story. Ya'll EJD did his thing one final time in this epic(last) release
Her husband was equally as crude. Additionally, the ancillary characters added the normal EJD fire. Professor Gemma Buckingham was one of the beautiful ones in this story. Ya'll EJD did his thing one final time in this epic(last) release
December 15, 2022
Outstanding!!
November 2, 2021
I downloaded and Listened to The Son of Mr. Suleman on Audible. I used my credit and for the first couple of chapters i felt like I wanted to return it and give me my credit back. LOL. SMH! I am not sure if it is the narrator or something else.
This book was over 16 hours long and probably took me at least 2 to get into it. Finally I was like let me see if I can make it through and gave up quitting. I am not a quitter.
I did finish The son of Mr. Suleman. It was not a bad book at all. I would recommend it to others who are not looking for the Thuggish books that I normally like to read.
I do feel that this story is very current. Pi Suleman is a professor at a college and one of his white colleagues is taking advantage of him and using his position at work as leverage to as I would say black mail him into having sex with him. Meanwhile he meets someone who seems is the perfect person for him and starts to take up most of his time. Meanwhile someone who is right in front of his face enters the competition to win Professor Suleman the Black Memphis Mans heart.
This book was over 16 hours long and probably took me at least 2 to get into it. Finally I was like let me see if I can make it through and gave up quitting. I am not a quitter.
I did finish The son of Mr. Suleman. It was not a bad book at all. I would recommend it to others who are not looking for the Thuggish books that I normally like to read.
I do feel that this story is very current. Pi Suleman is a professor at a college and one of his white colleagues is taking advantage of him and using his position at work as leverage to as I would say black mail him into having sex with him. Meanwhile he meets someone who seems is the perfect person for him and starts to take up most of his time. Meanwhile someone who is right in front of his face enters the competition to win Professor Suleman the Black Memphis Mans heart.
April 12, 2021
I have been a fan Eric Jerome Dickey since he wrote “Sister, Sister” in 1997. I was saddened when I heard he had passed away. I even had the opportunity to meet him in person and he was such a nice guy, awesome personality and fun to talk to.
This book to me is different from Eric Jerome Dickey’s previous writings but over the years his style has always changed several times making his books that much more enjoyable.
Pi Maurice Suleman is adjunct black professor and meets a mixed race beautiful as can be British woman man Gemma Buckingham whom he forges a relationship with. Maurice’s boss Dr. Helen Stone-Calhoun words just cannot describe her. She is blackmailing him.
There is great word building, awesome characters, romance, sadness, envy, family drama, etc.
This is Eric’s final book and I enjoyed it.
This book to me is different from Eric Jerome Dickey’s previous writings but over the years his style has always changed several times making his books that much more enjoyable.
Pi Maurice Suleman is adjunct black professor and meets a mixed race beautiful as can be British woman man Gemma Buckingham whom he forges a relationship with. Maurice’s boss Dr. Helen Stone-Calhoun words just cannot describe her. She is blackmailing him.
There is great word building, awesome characters, romance, sadness, envy, family drama, etc.
This is Eric’s final book and I enjoyed it.
November 7, 2021
Great book! Rest well E.J.D.
February 4, 2023
The book was really good in the middle. Overall this book was too darned long. There are quite a few scenes that should have been eliminated.
March 5, 2023
RIP Mr Dickey. A 1171 page read I had to take my time to finish.
April 15, 2021
RTC 4/20
May 7, 2021
The Son of Mr. Suleman: A Novel is Eric Jerome Dickey's final offering. I started reading Dickey's work twenty years ago. I was pregnant with my first and only child when I picked up my first book by the author. That child is now grown and in college. I cannot believe so much time has passed and it is even harder to accept that the author has passed on.
His final book does not deviate from the formula that Dickey is best know for. In The Son of Mr. Suleman current events, politics, racial identity and a lot of sex are woven together with a thin plot acting as a thread. This story is incredibly heavy on conversations about race and equally as light on action.
I take issue with most of the long winded rants offered by this group of characters, but in the end it really doesn't matter. I was entertained. I thought about a few plot points when not reading the book and most importantly this book made me feel. I was angry, irritated, empathetic, bored and at times intrigued.
I don't get worked up over celebrities and people that I have never met, but I will miss Eric Jerome Dickey's work. Every year or so, I take a look at his website, preorder his work, promptly forget that I ordered his latest book and am happy when the book is released and shows up on my Kindle. I am saddened by his transition, but grateful for all that he gave to his readers.
My rating is three stars for the lack of plot, but I encourage you to read this offering anyway. It is a good read and he is a good author.
His final book does not deviate from the formula that Dickey is best know for. In The Son of Mr. Suleman current events, politics, racial identity and a lot of sex are woven together with a thin plot acting as a thread. This story is incredibly heavy on conversations about race and equally as light on action.
I take issue with most of the long winded rants offered by this group of characters, but in the end it really doesn't matter. I was entertained. I thought about a few plot points when not reading the book and most importantly this book made me feel. I was angry, irritated, empathetic, bored and at times intrigued.
I don't get worked up over celebrities and people that I have never met, but I will miss Eric Jerome Dickey's work. Every year or so, I take a look at his website, preorder his work, promptly forget that I ordered his latest book and am happy when the book is released and shows up on my Kindle. I am saddened by his transition, but grateful for all that he gave to his readers.
My rating is three stars for the lack of plot, but I encourage you to read this offering anyway. It is a good read and he is a good author.
April 22, 2021
The Son of Mr. Suleman is Eric Jerome Dickey's final work. Professor Pi Suleman is a black man who experiences a summer like no other. A white colleague accuses him of assault. He is fighting a war he believes he has no chance of winning. Then he meets Gemma Buckingham who ignites a passion within him. Then Pi learns his father died and he returns to LA to get his inheritance.
Erick Jerome Dickey has a way of writing that is unmatched. I hate to use the cliche but I simply must - he has a way with words. When you are as talented as he is, you aim to challenge yourself and I believe that is what he did in this work. Race, culture, family - so much to unpack. It took awhile for me to get into this groove but the talent and raw storytelling that is uniquely his kept me going.
He will be missed.
Thank you #Negalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Erick Jerome Dickey has a way of writing that is unmatched. I hate to use the cliche but I simply must - he has a way with words. When you are as talented as he is, you aim to challenge yourself and I believe that is what he did in this work. Race, culture, family - so much to unpack. It took awhile for me to get into this groove but the talent and raw storytelling that is uniquely his kept me going.
He will be missed.
Thank you #Negalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Read
May 27, 2021EJD really poured his heart into this book. It includes everything that a reader would want, drama, cultural references, slang, and realistic attributes. The book took me longer than I anticipated to finish but around the 40% mark I was hooked. I loved Pi’s character and the storyline surrounding his life. He endured some of the many things that we see in America: a successful African American man trying to make a way. While he was successful, there were so many hardships thrown his way. Very good book, a little longer than I would have liked but I enjoyed it.
August 19, 2021
I hate to give this book such low ratings...however, it was exhausting to read. It felt like EJD threw every trope, stereotype, literary topic, current event and celebrity into this book. It was no resolution, extremely long and overwhelming to read. My nerves are shot...and WHY did the university name bear it name and have it's history in Memphis and wasn't a HBCU. Just made no sense. My book club read this and we were all despondent afterwards.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2021
I went back & forth on this book quite a bit. I wouldn’t say I enjoyed reading it all that much - the story dragged on & was hard to follow at times. The social commentary was interesting, and I appreciated the way Dickey drew attention to a variety of social issues, but I never found myself excited to read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews