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upmysleeves's review against another edition
5.0
Among Nabokov, this was one of the most beautifully written novels I’ve come across thus far. Unfortunately, I borrowed this from the library but whenever I purchase my own copy, it will be annotated to the nines.
While I’m not yet experienced with LGBTQ+ lit, I understand the significance of this novel in its history. This could — with a little bit of stretching of the imagination — be seen as the groundwork for Call Me By Your Name if it ended way more tragically and was less graphic.
It was also an insanely quick read!
While I’m not yet experienced with LGBTQ+ lit, I understand the significance of this novel in its history. This could — with a little bit of stretching of the imagination — be seen as the groundwork for Call Me By Your Name if it ended way more tragically and was less graphic.
It was also an insanely quick read!
tlctara's review against another edition
3.0
I listened to the audiobook … For a book that includes a lot of French dialogue and words, it was frustrating that the narrator could not pronounce French words.
It took me a while to get into the story. There was compelling description and storytelling, which built up my interest over time. I imagine this was groundbreaking when it was written.
It took me a while to get into the story. There was compelling description and storytelling, which built up my interest over time. I imagine this was groundbreaking when it was written.
jbrown2140's review against another edition
4.0
http://www.originalpositions.com/2016/07/james-baldwin-giovannis-room/
brcloyd's review against another edition
5.0
This book was amazing. Paris. Love. Social disapproval of the relationship. Regret. Self-punishment. Baldwin's language is beautiful and intimate.
dioniziah's review against another edition
5.0
I’m so upset at David and so SO sad for Giovanni. I understand them both and yet I can’t help being slightly mad at David for being so damn selfish with Gio and Hella. Anyway, i love LOVE James Baldwin. Never disappoints. I can’t help but wonder about what other lgbt stories he would’ve written if writing them wasn’t career suicide back then....
mandrea's review against another edition
4.0
I'm shocked at how ahead of its time this book was. I can't believe it's taken me so long to read much of Baldwin - excited to read more.
ridderdavid's review against another edition
4.0
James Baldwin’s zinnen zijn als poëzie. Verscholen achter de woorden zit een bepaald ritme en een melodie waar niet overheen te lezen valt. En dat is prachtig. Een pijnlijk romantisch verhaal. Tijdloos als het gaat over de liefde zoeken, vinden en kwijtraken. Vooruitstrevend in het schrijven over de fluïditeit van seksualiteit. En hopelijk snel verleden tijd als het gaat over de acceptatie van jezelf en de ander.
chloemanderson95's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
lowly_lit's review against another edition
3.0
unpopular opinion but didnt love this. The writing is of course excellent, it’s Baldwin, but the plot and characters? i dunno what it was but I never felt connected enough to them to care as much as I should have.