Scan barcode
A review by beansrowning
Another Country by James Baldwin
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It's not really up my alley as a romance-driven novel (and as cis-gendered white male), but as a fan of Baldwin I read it with no prior research.
Some of the themes were particularly challenging, bordering on the misogynistic. I think some of these more shocking depictions work well because they force the reader to consider the trials and tribulations of Rufus in the context of his life and the realities of a black man living in those times, and I found that my initial opinion had shifted as I read on, a great signal of a thought provoking novel.
Unfortunately, there is still relevance today concerning white liberalism and LGBTQ acceptance.
Some of the themes were particularly challenging, bordering on the misogynistic. I think some of these more shocking depictions work well because they force the reader to consider the trials and tribulations of Rufus in the context of his life and the realities of a black man living in those times, and I found that my initial opinion had shifted as I read on, a great signal of a thought provoking novel.
Unfortunately, there is still relevance today concerning white liberalism and LGBTQ acceptance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Suicide, Homophobia, Racial slurs, and Racism