A review by mahhias
Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin

5.0

Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin, one of my favorite reads this year so far!

"Giovanni's Room" revolves around the protagonist, David, an American living in 1950s Paris. Whom it’s struggling with his identity, conflicted feelings, and societal expectations. The narrative intensifies as David becomes entangled in a complex situation of relationships, particularly with Giovanni, a bartender. This story  explores themes of love, desire, shame and the societal pressures that can shape and constrain relationships.


God, this book is heartbreaking, so tragic and I was hoping to not cry my eyes out!  I loved every single character in this novel and I could deeply relate to each one of them individually, how great is that? No book is able to achieve such things. The book is super well done, there were some parts that I wanted to just sob and contemplate. The writing is immaculate and BEAUTIFUL, PERFECT. There were so many moments that I loved! So many emotions were flowing within me!  It’s such a gut-bunch of a book, it’s so beautifully crafted. There is no preparing anyone for the sheer inexorable force of Baldwin's language. It burrows into you: It reaches deep down into your stomach, making that painful feeling. To read Baldwin's words is to be ambushed by a grief both personal and historical. 

Such a poignant exploration of identity, love, and societal expectations and the shame, suffering, and guilt that comes with it. Baldwin's prose is both evocative and introspective, delving into the complex emotions of the characters, and I LOVED THAT! No review can do justice to this beautiful piece of Literature! Such a timeless work!