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veraspacewalker 's review for:
Giovanni's Room
by James Baldwin
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Having just freshly finished this, it's difficult to convey my feelings for this book. The writing is fantastic, Baldwin continues to not disappoint on that front.
Although I can objectively see the likeness and greatness of this book, I can't say that I loved it in a subjective way.
In a way I think of Emerson's words: "neither can any artist entirely exclude (...) the perishable from his book, or write a book of pure thought, that shall be as efficient, in all respects,to a remote posteriority". The never-subtle misonygy and xenophobia is sometimes, but never quite challenged enough, which leaves a sour taste by the end.
I think I'm realizing that I have a hard time finding morally grey characters loveable, but I can't be sure if David can be labelled as such. The characters are incredibly well-rounded (maybe not Hella so much, idk) but never quite loveable, despite knowing where their actions stem from.
Although I can objectively see the likeness and greatness of this book, I can't say that I loved it in a subjective way.
In a way I think of Emerson's words: "neither can any artist entirely exclude (...) the perishable from his book, or write a book of pure thought, that shall be as efficient, in all respects,to a remote posteriority". The never-subtle misonygy and xenophobia is sometimes, but never quite challenged enough, which leaves a sour taste by the end.
I think I'm realizing that I have a hard time finding morally grey characters loveable, but I can't be sure if David can be labelled as such. The characters are incredibly well-rounded (maybe not Hella so much, idk) but never quite loveable, despite knowing where their actions stem from.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Homophobia, Misogyny, Transphobia, Xenophobia