Don't Cry for Me

A Novel

Don't miss Daniel Black's next novel Isaac's Song coming January 2025

NAMED A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK IN ESSENCE MAGAZINE, THE MILLIONS AND BOOKISH


"Don't Cry for Me is a perfect song."—Jesmyn Ward

A Black father makes amends with his gay son through letters written on his deathbed in this wise and penetrating novel of empathy and forgiveness, for fans of Ta-Nehisi Coates, Robert Jones Jr. and Alice Walker

As Jacob lies dying, he begins to write a letter to his only son, Isaac. They have not met or spoken in many years, and there are things that Isaac must know. Stories about his ancestral legacy in rural Arkansas that extend back to slavery. Secrets from Jacob's tumultuous relationship with Isaac's mother and the shame he carries from the dissolution of their family. Tragedies that informed Jacob's role as a father and his reaction to Isaac's being gay.

But most of all, Jacob must share with Isaac the unspoken truths that reside in his heart. He must give voice to the trauma that Isaac has inherited. And he must create a space for the two to find peace.

With piercing insight and profound empathy, acclaimed author Daniel Black illuminates the lived experiences of Black fathers and queer sons, offering an authentic and ultimately hopeful portrait of reckoning and reconciliation. Spare as it is sweeping, poetic as it is compulsively readable, Don't Cry for Me is a monumental novel about one family grappling with love's hard edges and the unexpected places where hope and healing take flight.

Superb

The story is independently incredible. Having it read by author Daniel Black makes it incomparable.

Worthwhile story that may be tentative at times

I knew this story was getting to me when I realized that tears were coming down my face while walking outside and listening. The real story is about the father, toxic masculinity, and coping mechanisms. It is a story about my own father and was full of reminders about how I as a Black man have to take responsibility for my own actions as I raise my two sons. The writing needs to be stronger in places but that will come. The southern roots, impact of racism on self-respect, and the generational consequences of ignorance all rang true. Read it to understand those around you.

Wonderful

This book has a deep and passionate story of growing up during segregation. This was a sad story but very well written and narrated. The way we raised our sons to be leaders and a man, but fail to teach them nurturing and emotions. The way men were raised compiled with lack of education, made it rough on households. Jacob faced so many tragedies throughout his life but he did the best he could as a husband and father. This story definitely had me in tears. ❤️

Excellent story

Sad story that was well written. Enjoyed the book and can’t wait to hear his son’s response

Awesome Book

As always, Dr. Daniel Black strikes gold again. He continues to provide revelatory knowledge, illumination, and thought-provoking imagery. I'd recommend this book. so much can be learned from it.