Reviews

O Quarto de Giovanni by James Baldwin, Paulo Henriques Britto

Only show reviews with written explanations

nolemdaer's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging emotional sad medium-paced

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

4.25

daisyvb's review against another edition

Go to review page

reflective sad slow-paced

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

3.0

Baldwin has a smoothness to his writing, everything I've ever consumed by him slips through my mind easily. He knows not to labor a point unless vital for the story and it means his flow rarely stutters, finding places to put the book down is hard except for reaching the end of prescribed chapters/parts. I wasn't sure where this book was going to go the entire way through, right up until the final page. I'm still deciding if I liked it or simply admired its quality. It is certainly devoid of a clear emotion you are meant to come away with. Interesting to read queer literature by someone with lived experience in this era, and that in itself makes this an invaluable entry into the literary canon.

maggiemorant's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

rating: 3.50

perhaps i would’ve gotten more out of it if i knew more french. but, alas, c’est la vie.

memmaj's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional medium-paced

4.5

A beautiful gut wrenching book, I can’t believe it was written in the 50s. A wonderful exploration of queer desire in a heterosexual world

n0wp's review against another edition

Go to review page

had to return to the library 😿

ifarsides98's review against another edition

Go to review page

reflective sad slow-paced

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

I was excited to read Baldwin's seminal work after adoring 'If Beale Street Could Talk' a few years ago. I found Giovanni's Room to be harder to penetrate, and there were times where I felt the words and meanings wash over me. I'm glad I've read this, but I might revisit when I'm older and wiser.