Don't Cry for Me

A Novel

By: Daniel Black

Narrated by: Daniel Black

Length: 7 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2022 Daniel Black (P)2022 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

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

Beautiful

The fact that Daniel Black narrated his own work and in such an endearing, soulful way was what made this audiobook that much better. Deeply touching, I cried on several occasions, I badly wanted a happy ending, highly recommend.

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.

Good Book

Good book but some parts made me sad 😔 Great story line with truth from our black history

Felt like my story being told

An great portrayal of black family dynamics, especially from the south. From the raising of the father and his ‘escape’ from small town life to the deference held between the father and son when family obligations arose, I found every piece of this perfectly articulated.

As the queer son of an often distant father, I loved hearing the relationship from the father’s point of view and appreciated the redemption aspect of the story even if certain bonds were not salvageable.

Beautiful

An amazing letter from father to son which told everything you would ever want to know.

If assigned a BM at birth, I might have been ...

riveted but this was still a really great book! I listened while working as a Spark driver in less than 2 days. It held my attention so much that I was annoyed it was Christmas time and my delivery sales were numerous. 😉

Stick with the book even if you surmise the narration might annoy you. In this semi-autobiograghphy, the author does well distinguishing his character's voices. Mr. Black deeply cares about the story he's written and it's evident. Sadly, it's that very connection that makes this book a tad disjointed, as it fails to reach a true literary climax. To his credit, Mr. Black's writing is so vivid that you don't realize how emotionally invested you've become in his story. As the characters receive their catharsis and healing, while knowing that Mr. Black received his also, you'll quickly forgive an ending leaving its readers with a simultaneous feeling of frustrating dissatisfaction and loving fulfillment.