Ours

A Novel

By: Phillip B. Williams

Narrated by: Joniece Abbott-Pratt

Named a Best Book of the Year by The New Yorker, People, Los Angeles Times, NPR, and more

Winner of France’s Prix du Premier Roman Étranger

“An inventive ode to self-determination and also a surrealistic vision of Black life as forged within the crucible of American history . . . [written in] lush, ornamental prose.” —The New Yorker

“Fans of The Underground Railroad, The Water Dancer, and Let Us Descend will devour this lyrical and surreal saga.” —Oprah Daily

From a writer of singular voice and vision, a mesmerizing epic that reimagines the past to explore the true nature of freedom

In this ingenious, sweeping novel, Phillip B. Williams introduces us to an enigmatic woman named Saint, a fearsome conjurer 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 conjuring 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.

Amazing voice performance

The voice actress was amazing! She made the story, which was already beautifully written, come alive.

too much

Honestly this could have been a richer story with less words. What seems to be a good story or idea really groans on to long, then abruptly ends.

Ours beckons you to visit and lose time in it’s richness - visit Saint and see all you love and fear

This is a novel of poetic leisure,romantic and tragic but ever moving. An epic that is rich with seasons and stories that become a tapestry ripe with small and large moments that all contribute to the ride and texture of its unique narrative.
I wanted to visit and meet every character and I feel as though I did. OURS feels like places I’ve been and people i know or have known; both new and nostalgic in its craft. True to its themes i felt i left time and found an escape in its lore and story telling.

I want to go again and will.

So good

This may be a new favorite! I look forward to reading other works from this author. I highly recommend.

ours

I loved the magical aspect of the novel as well as the foreshadowing and the warm interactives between the characters. the performance was great too!