Reviews with content warning for Racial slurs - If Beale Street Could Talk

It’s a modern classic for a reason.

This novel is a powerful and poignant exploration of love, justice, and racial inequality. The story follows Tish, a young woman whose fiancé, Fonny, is wrongfully accused of a crime he did not commit. Baldwin’s lyrical prose captures the deep emotional connection between Tish and Fonny while also highlighting the crushing weight of systemic racism that affects their lives. The novel’s portrayal of family, community, and the endurance of love in the face of adversity is both heartbreaking and beautiful.

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chandler_reads123's review

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

3.5

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haleighp's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

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

5.0

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dayslife143's review against another edition

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challenging dark sad medium-paced

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

4.5

It is completely terrifying to me that if you told me this book was written yesterday, I would believe you. 52 years sense if beale street could talk was firstpublished. .. and it would have the same story.

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anna_wiskerchen's review against another edition

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emotional sad slow-paced

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

4.0

This is the first James Baldwin book I have read, and I am obsessed at how he really captivates his audience into the characters he writes about. This was an incredibly emotional story to read, it really digs into so many different forms of racism and how it’s reverent in the everyday lives of Black people. It even had a few scenes where Black people are racist to Black people and I found that very interesting. Something that really stuck out to me. The most was how the story was very similar to To Kill a Mocking Bird, I almost feel like To Kill a Mockingbird might be where the story picks up after it finishes? I know it’s not, but it’s quite interesting to think about. I loved Tish and her family’s relationship, they were all so supportive of Tish and Fanny and stood up for him even when his shit family didn’t. The ending I was not expecting, I was actually suspecting something worse like death or a miscarriage, but I guess for Fanny sitting in jail, waiting for a verdict is almost like death. I think if you’re looking to read James Baldwin, this is a really great starter.

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kenz_reads_books's review

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4.25

This was my first James Baldwin book and I absolutely loved his writing style. This was a very impactful, thought provoking, devastating book that explored some very tough themes. I kind of wish the book was longer actually. At the end I was left wanting just a little bit more. There were quite a few good quotes in here and I ended up tabbing them! I also listened to this on audio and the narrator was fantastic. I will definitely be reading more from this author.

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