A review by softanimal
Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin

Did not finish book. Stopped at 16%.

A friend said this was his favorite book but I've picked it up and put it down multiple times because although the writing is phenomenal, the intensity of the internalized homophobia and the absolute vitriol with which the perspective character voices hateful opinions of those around him (particularly and especially gender nonconforming people) was too upsetting for me. I imagine if I were to finish the book I might see what others have found so meaningful in it but I haven't been able to push through this time.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Toxic relationship, Homophobia, Grief, and Transphobia

Not sure how to warn for execution for being gay. Discussed at length but mentioned in the first few pages.