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A review by amberlen
Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin
challenging
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I had to grapple with this book a little.
Especially for it's length it is a complex & nuanced story. Truly well crafted. I appreciated all the layers Giovanni & David's relationship had, as well as the troubled relationship David had with his homosexuality.
But the misogyny? Oh, boy. On a different level.
And listen, it was the 50s and it's not as if some misogynistic views weren't believable for these characters. I guess it is understandable that these gay men would resent women somewhat and their internalised homophobia explains why they despise more feminine men. In addition, the women in this novel did get their own voice & called men out from time to time.
However, making every single feminine man despicable is very shady.And having Giovanni casually admit that he has beaten women and him and David laughing about it was just alienating. I could have rooted so much more for these characters, if the author had toned this down a bit.
Especially for it's length it is a complex & nuanced story. Truly well crafted. I appreciated all the layers Giovanni & David's relationship had, as well as the troubled relationship David had with his homosexuality.
But the misogyny? Oh, boy. On a different level.
And listen, it was the 50s and it's not as if some misogynistic views weren't believable for these characters. I guess it is understandable that these gay men would resent women somewhat and their internalised homophobia explains why they despise more feminine men. In addition, the women in this novel did get their own voice & called men out from time to time.
However, making every single feminine man despicable is very shady.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault and Death