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fowzee's review against another edition
5.0
baldwin knows something about the human condition that we don’t
kcrawfish's review
5.0
I think this book deserves five stars but that doesn’t mean it was 5 stars of enjoyment. The singular thing these characters searched for was refuge. The singular thing they thought of, was love. And that seems simple, but it crafts a real, stark world with truths about race, sexuality, and so many simple agonies we stumble through as we grow as adults. Bleak, beautiful, and honest. James Baldwin is a masterful writer, of that there can be no doubt.
dizzzybrook's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Racism, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Sexual violence, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Physical abuse, Suicide, Toxic relationship, and Violence
purplesoccer126's review against another edition
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
knikchevich's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
caitsidhe's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Incredible
pondaholic's review
5.0
Another beautiful Baldwin novel; another death in the beginning story unravelling itself. The multiple characters and harsh realities, Baldwin's language, the French (with no translations) that are a lovely reminder of Highsmith's "Price of Salt," and I just couldn't put it down.
connortravels's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
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? Yes
4.25
yish's review
4.75
wtf is love? how does one love under these conditions?
Baldwin created some of the most flawed, frustrating characters in this book, but at the same time he made you understand them so well - their loneliness, their struggles, their grace, their hate, their love, their bitterness, their dreams. and how can you dislike them when you have seen their humanity; when everything they’ve done is so human
Baldwin created some of the most flawed, frustrating characters in this book, but at the same time he made you understand them so well - their loneliness, their struggles, their grace, their hate, their love, their bitterness, their dreams. and how can you dislike them when you have seen their humanity; when everything they’ve done is so human