Reviews

After the privilege of reading so many queer books of joy and daily living in the post 2000s age, it was a devastating punch to the gut to read such blatant and degrading internalised misogyny, homophobia and transphobia (the transmisogyny is particularly horrific at times).

This is certainly not a love story. It is a gritty queer gay/bisexual story. It digs deep into the unraveling of David, Giovanni, and others who desperately seek love/acceptance/community against an oppressive societal messaging that they are not deserving of it.

The writing was very clear and easy to read. David’s emotions, decisions and opinions were harshly exposed, letting you experience it all, or judge David from a relatively safe position.

I can’t say I enjoyed this book, but I think the perspectives and internal struggle of a queer person of this time are hugely important.

Content Warnings

sherbetfrosting's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.0

marleyrollins's review against another edition

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4.0

My first Baldwin didn’t disappoint- I loved this.

Such a fantastic examination of the ways that denial of your true self can eat away at you and have huge repercussions that ripple outwards.

The language is also so lush and beautiful- it perfectly captures the glamour and magic of Paris in the 1950s, when it was a hub for artists, eccentrics and adventurous flaneurs. It really made me want to be young and drunk, stumbling through the streets of Paris with a partner, feeling like the night could go anywhere.

It can’t be underestimated how brave it was to write a novel like this in the 1950s also- Baldwin was so incredibly before his time that this novel still feels fresh and timeless now.

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