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

emotional hopeful informative reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Many layers of what it means to ‘care’ authentically and with your full self. There is family here, but it’s extended and absorbing to those that need that unconditional feeling of acceptance. Without being the protagonist, Sharon’s personality IS the book, she is more than a mother and it’s hard to describe exactly what her empathy and omniscience does to you as a reader. Sometimes it’s just fulfilling to watch a world (fictional or not) unfold without any effort on your part: to witness, feel helpless, and to semi-consciously marvel at the many ways we can relate to other people. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings