A review by laurenramsden99
If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

Baldwin's focus on the love story of two, young black people is equal parts sad and hopeful. Tish is an engaging character and narrator, even though the majority of the book is focused on her significant other, Fonny, and the impact of his imprisonment. The portrayal of Tish's family was especially impactful for me, as they except her and her decisions without question. I also love that, whilst this was a challenging book, politics was not the front and centre. It could be read implicitly in everything that was happening to the characters. The non-explicit violence also made the suggestion to what happens to characters such as Fonny and Daniel all the more terrifying and impactful. I felt the book slowed down in parts when Tish's Mum is in Porto Rico, but other than that, a near-perfect book. 
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