Praise for the emancipation of Evan Walls
Jeffrey Blount has crafted an engrossing novel that pries open an often-overlooked dimension of racism in America today. To achieve his dreams, an eleven-year old Evan Walls discovers he must not only do battle with white prejudice in his rural southern community, he must also struggle against the diminished expectations of his own people. Blount conveys powerfully the loneliness of an intellectually gifted child caught between these two worlds and the real costs of freedom. The Emancipation of Evan Walls is one of the most sensitively told, yet brutally honest reflections on race and identity in recent History. - Jonathan Odell, author of The Healing
Jeffrey Blount has written a timely novel of enormous power. Evan Walls shows the kind of courage we wish weren't needed, but still is today - the courage to defy convention, step beyond boundaries and risk everything to live the life you desire. The Emancipation of Evan Walls is a page turner and more, an important addition to today's crucial conversations about race and privilege. - Masha Hamilton, author of 31 Hours
Blount's intimate, unhurried writing style masterfully creates scenes bursting with true-to-life dialogue and unforgettable characters. This is an important book that holds truths for all Americans, whatever their ethnicity. It will make you cry, it will make you angry, and it will make you cheer Evan Walls' emancipation as heroic. If you aren't already "woke," you will be after reading this book. - Mary Batten, author of Aliens from Earth
With his new novel, Jeffrey Blount gives us a poignant and profound witness to the complexities and dynamics of racism, identity, and courage. As young Evan Walls navigates his deep need for community and his burning desire to learn, he discovers hidden strength to overcome obstacles. He broke my heart, but then gave it back to me, along with an invitation to hope. I applaud Mr. Blount for his extraordinary work. - Rebecca Dwight Bruff, author of Trouble The Water
Every so often a book comes along that you believe everyone should read. For me, The Emancipation of Evan Walls by Jeffrey Blount is that book…This incredible story might shock you, or at the very least will move you to tears. Either way, you won’t forget it any time soon, if ever. - Viga Boland, author of Learning to Love Myself