martinj's review against another edition
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Domestic abuse, Racial slurs, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Racism
Moderate: Sexism, Forced institutionalization, and Suicide
eayelizabeth's review against another edition
4.0
A very human book. Dark in places with happiness that builds up only to be torn down again in a way that is very accurate to life. I knew from the beginning that I would love Vivaldo and Cass, Eric and Yves all joined him in a collection of my favourite characters. Even the characters I didn't personally like were interesting people, adding complexity.
One part that stuck with me was Eric and Vivaldo talking about love and their relationships: "And sometimes we make it, beautifully, beautifully. And sometimes we don't. And it's hideous."
One part that stuck with me was Eric and Vivaldo talking about love and their relationships: "And sometimes we make it, beautifully, beautifully. And sometimes we don't. And it's hideous."
meleah_neely's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Took me an entire fall to read this (not intentionally, just got really busy with school and life and lost myself a bit within all of that). James Baldwin's writing is truly a blueprint— one that many nowadays try to recreate, but no one can quite capture. The authenticity, the raw naturalness of it all, and the use of songs and lyrics to enhance an experience. Another Country's beauty lies in the pure excess that makes up a lot of the book. The characters navigating new lives and settings. The exploration of bisexuality and the world. the violence that comes in heterosexual or interracial relationships. It's a beautiful book that left me thinking about so much. there are some lines that I think will never not stick with me having read them. Above all, Baldwin's talent lies in capturing the feelings of what it means to live, and what it means to feel like you haven't quite lived enough.Â
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Suicide, Racism, Domestic abuse, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Alcoholism and Alcohol
depechemold's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
sennnni's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lizmart88's review against another edition
5.0
James Baldwin is truly an American legend. This book feels as timely as if it were written yesterday. Another Country is a slow-building and powerful treatise on love and sexuality and race.
At the center of the story are a group of people living in Harlem in the 1960s. The story starts with Rufus, a black man and musician who is struggling. He's been homeless recently and is trying to reconnect with his friends Vivaldo and Cast.
The story then jumps forward a few months. Vivaldo, a white man, is trying to date Rufus' sister Ida. Cass and Richard are struggling. And Eric, Rufus' friend, is in Paris dating a much younger man. The story cycles through their lives.
James Baldwin's writing is to go in depth. It often only covers a few hours or days at a time. The time covered is a few months, but it feels much longer because he goes into such depth. That said, the book flowed along really well.
At the center of the story are a group of people living in Harlem in the 1960s. The story starts with Rufus, a black man and musician who is struggling. He's been homeless recently and is trying to reconnect with his friends Vivaldo and Cast.
The story then jumps forward a few months. Vivaldo, a white man, is trying to date Rufus' sister Ida. Cass and Richard are struggling. And Eric, Rufus' friend, is in Paris dating a much younger man. The story cycles through their lives.
James Baldwin's writing is to go in depth. It often only covers a few hours or days at a time. The time covered is a few months, but it feels much longer because he goes into such depth. That said, the book flowed along really well.
azkabanslibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-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
4.0
fjodretta's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-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