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4.36 AVERAGE
4.36 AVERAGE
I finished this last night and I’ve felt so moved and genuinely in ore over Baldwins writing. (first book I’ve read of his and won’t be the last)
What a heartbreakingly beautifully written book. I don’t think I’m capable of writing a review that would even do it justice…
I found it to be very similar to the works of Dostoyevsky and the protagonist feeling ‘trapped’ (not only often physically but mentally, too.)
What a heartbreakingly beautifully written book. I don’t think I’m capable of writing a review that would even do it justice…
I found it to be very similar to the works of Dostoyevsky and the protagonist feeling ‘trapped’ (not only often physically but mentally, too.)
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really liked this book. Considering it was written in 1956, it definitely has its flaws and certain elements that didn’t resonate with me. But overall, I think it’s a meaningful and important read.
In terms of characters, I found some of David’s decisions to be selfish and even childish at times. Still, I appreciated Baldwin’s way of telling the story, it blends sadness, emotional tension, and inner conflict in a very compelling way.
This novel is undeniably a classic. Even if some parts feel dated, it's remarkable for how groundbreaking and courageous it was, especially in portraying a queer love story with such depth and honesty more than 50 years ago. A true milestone in LGBT+ literature.
In terms of characters, I found some of David’s decisions to be selfish and even childish at times. Still, I appreciated Baldwin’s way of telling the story, it blends sadness, emotional tension, and inner conflict in a very compelling way.
This novel is undeniably a classic. Even if some parts feel dated, it's remarkable for how groundbreaking and courageous it was, especially in portraying a queer love story with such depth and honesty more than 50 years ago. A true milestone in LGBT+ literature.
dark
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Me ha parecido interesante y bien contado, pero me ha fallado el sentimiento. No me ha transmitido nada (ni pena ni nostalgia...).
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
"You play it safe long enough, and you'll end up trapped in your own dirty body, forever and forever and forever..."
I read this on the plane to and from different places and had to keep putting it down to not cry in public. It gutted me over and over again. Reading this is mourning the way the world was once and continues to be for so many. I felt so seen in parts of this book and others so thankful that I had better than so many have had the chance to have. The self hatred, he same, the judgement, the self preservation at the cost of it all. I wish for better - then, now, forever.
I read this on the plane to and from different places and had to keep putting it down to not cry in public. It gutted me over and over again. Reading this is mourning the way the world was once and continues to be for so many. I felt so seen in parts of this book and others so thankful that I had better than so many have had the chance to have. The self hatred, he same, the judgement, the self preservation at the cost of it all. I wish for better - then, now, forever.
it’s a great and very emotional novel, however i think it should’ve been longer because i didn’t understand david’s feelings or motives. i know the point was that he didn’t want to express himself, maybe not even to the reader but if we got to learn his affair with giovanni more we would understand him better. this was annoying sometimes and confusing. i can understand why this choice was made, but i don’t agree.
i am also a bit sceptical about hella’s character. i can only explain her words through david’s “unreliable” narration. if that’s not the case, it was weird that she was independent and very conservative as well. she needed to be more complex imo.
the last line was chilling and i’d like to leave a quote i liked here:
“I understood why Giovanni had wanted me and had brought me to his last retreat. I was to destroy this room and give Giovanni a new and better life. This life could only be my own, which, in order to transform Giovanni’s, must first become a part of Giovanni’s room.”
i am also a bit sceptical about hella’s character. i can only explain her words through david’s “unreliable” narration. if that’s not the case, it was weird that she was independent and very conservative as well. she needed to be more complex imo.
the last line was chilling and i’d like to leave a quote i liked here:
“I understood why Giovanni had wanted me and had brought me to his last retreat. I was to destroy this room and give Giovanni a new and better life. This life could only be my own, which, in order to transform Giovanni’s, must first become a part of Giovanni’s room.”
enjoyed the prose. hated the sexism and misogyny. Hella, girl, run
One of the most beautiful books I've ever read.