Reviews

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

brownbooknerd's review

4.0

This book was eye opening and beautifully written. It’s a story about being young, educated, and black in America with your entire life ahead of you. Unfortunately, a very tragic event happens and puts all of your hopes and dreams for the future on hold.
Roy & Celestial are only married for a year when Roy is falsely accused and imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. Celestial is committed to standing with Roy through his time in prison until she can no longer do so. She finds herself in the arms of Andre, their friend.

I liked how this story was written but it was heartbreaking to read how Roy was treated. I could feel the emotion of each character. I loved the letters and I loved that this book was written in multiple POVs. My only thing is that I felt like the ending fell short for me. It was like it was missing something. I can’t explain it but overall, I would recommend it!

meganwcooke's review

challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

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

3.25

readingafrica's review

4.0

I really enjoyed this book, and I felt a lot of empathy for the characters. Roy is a bit of a sexist, in the old-timey 'a woman is supposed to be this and that' way, and Celestial seemed standoffish at times, but I definitely think this book is worth a read.

chikithareddy's review

reflective sad medium-paced

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

2.25

nickscoby's review

3.0

Oh, boy. This was a slider for me. I was all in, practically engrossed for maybe two thirds of the book--really not sure how things were going to turn out or whose side I was on (Roy's? Celestial's?) and THEN Roy comes home and everything screeched to a halt and I could hear metal upon metal. I hate to say it, but it was soooo disappointing. Celestial was just meh to me all the way through but I actively DISLIKED Roy by the end. And there is one pivotal scene that made me want to throw things--actually two scenes. And they both involve Roy.

roglows's review

4.0

Beautiful book, powerful portrayals of race, marriage and life. Not an easy read.

nberklas's review

emotional sad

4.25

So sad.  The charters were very complicated. It made it a bit hard to listen to because the story was hard and I did not love the characters, but that is how life is which was the point.

shante9700's review

4.0

Great book!
Felt that at times, plot felt rushed. Book could have went deeper

megchriistine's review

5.0

I went back and forth between the audiobook and the physical book for this one because the narration of the audiobook was so damn good. However, I’m a bit conflicted as I end it. The entire time, I couldn’t decide who I was more hurt for. Each character in this book is wrong in their own way, and each suffered in their own way as well. Roy and Celestial’s marriage seemed doomed from the start, even before his incarceration because it felt like Roy would manipulate and try to hurt her just to see if she cared enough to fight for their relationship.
Seeing everyone’s lives change shape and direction while Roy was suffering behind bars is a painful reality for most at the hand of a corrupt justice system. The letters between Roy and Celestial were filled with so much emotion, good and bad. Ending this book with another letter between the two was beautiful, and brought it all full circle in a way. This book genuinely was amazing.

earthtokate's review

emotional reflective sad fast-paced

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

2.75