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A review by agiecummings
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
There were parts of the book that I was literally moved to tears by. Like I actually had tears streaming down my face as I read it, but my only frustration was the end. It felt just a little unsatisfactory. Not bad per se but just not exactly what I wanted. But I can’t even tell you what I would have rather had happen, I just was left feeling a bit hollow and sad and unsatisfied.
But wow, what a heartbreaking look at the injustice of incarceration on everyone in the incarcerated person’s life, including themselves. I was absolutely broken up over Roy’s story. There was not a moment of light for him until the very end. I thought it was so heartbreaking that the thing that gave him hope on the inside was actually what broke his heart on the outside. Just a heartbreaking story. Beautifully and hauntingly written, Tayari tells a raw and emotional story like no one else.
But wow, what a heartbreaking look at the injustice of incarceration on everyone in the incarcerated person’s life, including themselves. I was absolutely broken up over Roy’s story. There was not a moment of light for him until the very end. I thought it was so heartbreaking that the thing that gave him hope on the inside was actually what broke his heart on the outside. Just a heartbreaking story. Beautifully and hauntingly written, Tayari tells a raw and emotional story like no one else.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Sexual violence, and Violence