Reviews

I think it needed one more push. It’s a super depressing read. There’s just not much joy to it. I think because I never quite was captivated by the characterizations the melodrama fell a little flat for me. I wish I could give half stars because that’s really where it falls for me. The prologue is amazing and the second half is captivating, but the stuff in between is a little messy. The first person perspective gets a little lost at times due to Baldwin choosing to break voice to show off his prose. I love prose but it’s a little distracting in a novella written in first person when the narrative voice doesn’t lend itself to prose. All that to say it doesn’t flow very well at times. It’s very much an anti romance, and that’s not really what I was expecting. I’m a little disappointed by the fact that all the characters are white. But, it makes sense when you think of it as an imagined happening based on Baldwin’s experiences in Paris. I do think it’s a missed opportunity to represent his specific intersectionality. It made it harder to empathize with the characters as there gay experiences diverged further and further from my own. Ultimately I was expecting more of a Magnum Opus and got more of an early work.

onceuponatime's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

wonderful book, made me despair and reflect. i want a physical copy

partialmadness's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

georgeyanakiev's review against another edition

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5.0

I was blown away by the raw, unfiltered beauty of James Baldwin's Giovanni's Room. This novel is a steamy, soulful exploration of love and self-discovery. Baldwin's writing is nothing short of hypnotic, and his characters will leave you reeling with their depth and complexity. It's a literary masterpiece.

d00ber's review against another edition

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emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

claraberkelana's review against another edition

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challenging reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

lorenavila's review against another edition

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dark mysterious sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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