My Monticello

My Monticello is a debut fiction collection featuring five short stories and a novella, set primarily in Virginia. The collection explores contemporary American life through diverse characters navigating issues of identity, belonging, and survival. The title novella follows a group of neighbors who seek refuge at Thomas Jefferson's historic estate during a period of social collapse. The five accompanying stories examine different facets of modern American experience, from academic life to family relationships to preparation for disaster. The book received widespread critical acclaim, earning starred reviews from major publications and winning multiple literary awards including the 2022 Library of Virginia Fiction Award and the 2021 Weatherford Prize. It was also selected as a finalist for several prestigious honors including the Kirkus Prize for Fiction. Through its varied narratives, the collection examines the complex intersections of race, history, and American identity. The stories confront questions about inheritance, both cultural and physical, while considering what it means to claim a place as home.

Readers point to the atmospheric tension and vivid character development in the title novella, while some found the other short stories less memorable. The blend of historical references with near-future dystopian elements resonated with many readers. Liked: - Sharp commentary on race, class, and climate change - Strong sense of place and Virginia setting - Complex exploration of Jefferson's legacy - Tight, economical prose style Disliked: - Uneven quality between stories - Some stories feel incomplete or abrupt - Title novella overshadows other pieces - Several readers wanted more resolution Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (1,100+ ratings) LibraryThing: 4.1/5 (290+ ratings) "The title story alone is worth the price of admission," noted one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads review called the collection "powerful but inconsistent," saying the shorter pieces "lack the depth of the novella."

The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr. This historical fiction novel examines the relationship between two enslaved men on a Mississippi plantation while exploring themes of legacy, identity, and the shadows of American history.

Erasure by Percival Everett A black professor writes a deliberately stereotypical novel that becomes a bestseller, forcing confrontation with questions of authenticity and racial expectations in publishing.

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones The story follows a wrongly incarcerated black man and his wife, revealing the impact of systemic injustice on personal relationships and inheritance.

Friday Black by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah This collection of short stories blends dystopian elements with social commentary to examine race relations and capitalism in contemporary America.

The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers A multi-generational saga traces one family's journey through American history, connecting their past to present-day experiences in Georgia.

★ The author worked as a public school art teacher in Charlottesville, Virginia for 20 years before publishing this debut collection at age 50. ★ "My Monticello" was inspired by the real-life 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, which brought white supremacist violence to the author's hometown. ★ Thomas Jefferson's Monticello estate, central to the title novella, was built and maintained by over 400 enslaved people, including Sally Hemings and her children with Jefferson. ★ The book has been optioned for a Netflix film adaptation, with Pulitzer Prize-winner Michael Chabon serving as executive producer. ★ Johnson's work earned the 2021 Nautilus Book Award and was named one of the Best Books of 2021 by over 15 publications, including The Washington Post and Time Magazine.