Juneteenth (Revised)

by Ralph Ellison

First published 2021

Senator Adam Sunraider lies on his deathbed when he calls for Reverend A. Z. Hickman, the black minister who once saved his life. Hickman arrives to hear what may be Sunraider's final words, carrying decades of hurt between them. Years before, Hickman had rescued a white orphan boy called Bliss and brought him into his congregation. The child grew up surrounded by gospel songs and Sunday sermons, even performing as Lazarus in revival meetings where he would rise from a coffin to inspire the faithful. Bliss learned the art of preaching from Hickman and found family within the black community that embraced him. Yet somewhere in his climb from preacher boy to politician, Bliss became Adam Sunraider and built his power by turning his back on his origins. He rejected Hickman, the congregation, and everything they had given him. Now death approaches, and both men must face the wounds that Sunraider's betrayal carved into their lives.

Genres: american-fiction, historical-fiction, american, african-american, biographical-fiction, african-american-historical-fiction

Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking

Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family

Period: Decades Earlier

416 pages · Paperback · Vintage

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