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A review by veraspacewalker
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
3.0
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: Homophobia, Xenophobia, Transphobia, Misogyny, and Biphobia