<p>In one of the most acclaimed novels in recent memory Edward P. Jones two-time National Book Award finalist tells the story of Henry Townsend a black farmer and former slave who falls under the tutelage of William Robbins the most powerful man in Manchester County Virginia. Making certain he never circumvents the law Townsend runs his affairs with unusual discipline. But when death takes him unexpectedly his widow Caldonia can't uphold the estate's order and chaos ensues. In a daring and ambitious novel Jones has woven a footnote of history into an epic that takes an unflinching look at slavery in all of its moral complexities.</p><p> Performed by Kevin Free</p>