Reviews

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

sheilareads_'s review

4.0

“Our house isn’t simply empty, our home has been emptied. Love makes a place in your life, it makes a place for itself in your bed. Invisibly, it makes a place in your body, rerouting all your blood vessels, throbbing right alongside your heart. When it’s gone, nothing is whole again.”

Wow, what a saga! The book has a cast of characters so intricately layered that you can't help but become emotionally invested in their fates. Jones masterfully delves into the depths of human relationships, showcasing the lengths people will go to for love, and in doing so, she crafts a narrative that is equally moving and troubling at times. The characters' struggles for love are portrayed with such raw authenticity that it's impossible not to empathize with them.

Jone's use of multiple POVs and letters, allowed readers to step into the minds of different characters and gain unique insights into their experiences. This narrative technique not only added richness to the story but also emphasized the complexities of the human heart. 'An American Marriage' is a compelling exploration of love, loyalty, and the consequences of our choices. It was an entertaining and heartfelt read.

betseyboo's review

2.0

I appreciated the insights into the lives of the characters in this book, but at times the writing seemed somehow rushed, especially towards the end. I was also extremely disappointed in the portrayal of Celeste. Reading the end of this book got me so extremely mad. It seemed so far from any possible reality.

hilaryannbrown's review

4.0

I loved the first half and wish the whole book had been written in letters. An intimate look at what prison does to one person's psyche and to the Black family.

zoehop's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

jenbwright's review

5.0

I was unsure of whether I would enjoy this book because of the way it was recommended to me, but I was very much wrong. The story itself is relatable to modern times and is a story of love, loss, tribulations, and friendship. Highly recommend!!!

kaylani_addison's review

challenging dark emotional funny reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I really enjoyed getting to know this world and its characters. my only critique is that the parents felt a little too perfect, like they always had the right thing to say which maybe its my trauma speaking, but it seemed too good to be true.  

erintowner's review

4.0

This is an important story about family and the people who stand by you long-term in life. The characters are gray, not black and white. The writing is beautiful. I especially loved reading about the relationship between Roy and his Biological. Lots to think about with this one. Halfway through it I called a friend and told her she had to read it. Some books have you thinking about them long after you have finished them. I think An American Marriage will be that for me. This book also talked about uniquely American issues that aren't written about much. We need more books like this one.

tsegenet's review

challenging emotional sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

773victoria's review

emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

kcc810's review

challenging emotional medium-paced

3.5