“The Love Songs of W.E.B. DuBois” by Honoree Fanonne Jeffers

“Even in a place of sorrow, time passes. Even in a place of joy. Do not assume that either keeps life from continuing.”

I n Honoree Fanonne Jeffers’ first novel, the poet blesses readers with a multi-generational saga. The physically heavy text of historical fiction spans the lives of early Native Americans to present-day African Americans, showing the interconnectedness of life in America. The sweeping story is told through the eyes of Ailey Garfield who is struggling to find her place in the modern world while irrevocably tethered to her family and heritage. While carrying the burden of her own personal trauma and meandering through familial loss, Ailey embarks on an emotionally-revealing journey of uncovering the dark secrets of her family’s past and the enslaved in America.

Jeffers takes readers on a whimsical and heartbreaking voyage through the American South, a rollercoaster ride of emotions. As the chapters cycle from one perspective/century to the next, Jeffers constructs a generational web of sorts, adding layers upon layers that seemingly resemble little more than snapshots of prose until well into the second half of the book. That being said, each layer is rich in historical detail with the benefit of immediate character reactions and continued reflection. Jeffers reminds us that “When we speak about history, we speak about somebody’s life.” The text explores themes of Black womanhood, feminism, racism, perceptions of the South, and it flirts with Black masculinity.

The book begins with a multi-page family tree, noting the generational threads interwoven in the book. As I started the book, I glanced at the names, yet kept returning after I finished chapters to see who was related to whom. The swings between heartbreak and immense happiness feel authentic. Outraged at the treatment of Black Americans and inspired by their resilience, I felt the weight of the history alluded to in textbooks. Jeffers gives these Black Americans more than a name in a ledger, as practiced throughout history. She gives her characters soul-filling experiences, highlighting love, romance, and family connection. She forces us to consider the people behind the stories, the humans that American history attempted to erase. 

I noted the length of this book, which checks in around 800 pages. But unlike thick texts that have us begging for a conclusion, Jeffers leaves readers wanting more. I hope more authors lean into longform writing, especially about topics, such as Black history, that warrant intense reflection. 

“These are the incongruities of memory. It is hard to hold on to the entirety of something, but pieces may be held up to light.”