A review by hawkia75
Another Country by James Baldwin

4.0

Baldwin is unafraid to tackle the big issues in this novel: race, sex, homosexuality, love, and trying to make it as an artist in New York City. In all this ferment, Baldwin gives a stirring, eloquent voice to the pain and anguish of the marginalized. There are a few passages that are both searingly articulate and poetic, and go straight to the heart of that deeply felt pain. The dialogue feels a bit dated, but unfortunately, most of what Baldwin has to say about how people of color are treated still rings true. He also writes with empathy of the obliviousness of the white characters, even the most well-meaning, even as they try to bridge the distance between the races. The white characters are coming to grips with their privilege, but are still working out the implications of what it means to be a black person in a white person's world. Love is not enough, Baldwin seems to be saying, but we won't make it without it.