Synopses & Reviews
A novel of self-discovery, family bonds and the healing of one small southern town
Sister has a story to tell and its one her brother Tommy Lee “T.L.” has never known about her life during his absence and about their family. It is a story that will change T.L. irrevocably, leading him to discover things he never imagined.
T.L. has returned to his hometown of Swamp Creek, this time to stay. However, hes haunted by his sisters death all those years ago and when he moves into his recently-deceased mothers house, he struggles to make it his home. His decision to assume the position of Schoolmaster at the local one-room schoolhouse is the only thing hes sure about, and his impact upon the students is palpable. But he still doesnt know what happened to Sister. Not what really happened. As he searches for ultimate truth, he discovers the beauty and the secrets of Swamp Creek. Unlikely characters and events lead T.L. to uncover exactly what happened to Sister and help him, his family and even his community to finally heal. T.L. is clear that destiny forced him home—to this magical, mystical place called Swamp Creek.
Review
"Elements of magical realism ... mixed with black folkloric tradition are described with conviction and passion. Blacks personal connection to the material gives a hard-won reconciliation genuine emotional impact."--Publishers Weekly "Black describes black tradition and spirituality well."--NewsOK.com
Synopsis
A novel of self-discovery, family bonds and the healing of one small southern town
Twelve Gates to the City is the much-anticipated sequel to Black's acclaimed debut, They Tell Me of a Home. In this novel, Sister assumes the voice of the narrator, speaking from the spirit realm, telling her brother TL things he could have never known about their family. She constructs the story as a series of spiritual revelations, exposing to readers both who she was in the years of TL's absence and how every event in his life was an orchestration for his return.
TL in the meantime is back in Swamp Creek, to stay this time, but he's still haunted by his sister's death. His decision to become the Schoolmaster is the only thing he's sure about, and his impact upon the students becomes palpable. But he still doesn't know what happened to Sister. As he searches for ultimate truth, he discovers the secrets and beauty of Swamp Creek.
Twelve Gates to the City is a novel about spiritual revelation, and communal healing, ushered in by one who finally realizes that his gifts were bestowed upon him, not for his own glory, but for the transformation of his people.
Synopsis
A novel of self-discovery, family bonds and the healing of one small southern townTwelve Gates to the City is the much-anticipated sequel to Blacks acclaimed debut, They Tell Me of a Home. In this novel, Sister assumes the voice of the narrator, speaking from the spirit realm, telling her brother TL things he could have never known about their family. She constructs the story as a series of spiritual revelations, exposing to readers both who she was in the years of TLs absence and how every event in his life was an orchestration for his return.
TL in the meantime is back in Swamp Creek, to stay this time, but hes still haunted by his sisters death. His decision to become the Schoolmaster is the only thing hes sure about, and his impact upon the students becomes palpable. But he still doesnt know what happened to Sister. As he searches for ultimate truth, he discovers the secrets and beauty of Swamp Creek.
Twelve Gates to the City is a novel about spiritual revelation, and communal healing, ushered in by one who finally realizes that his gifts were bestowed upon him, not for his own glory, but for the transformation of his people.
About the Author
DANIEL OMOTOSHO BLACK was raised in Blackwell, Arkansas and now teaches at Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia. He earned the Ph.D. in African American Studies from Temple University then returned to Clark Atlanta as a professor with hopes of inspiring young black minds to believe in themselves. His heart's desire is to write literature which celebrates the African American presence in America and teaches the world how to be more human. He is the author of Perfect Peace, They Tell Me of a Home and The Sacred Place.