This is one of the more fascinating books I've read recently, especially when keeping in mind the context in which it was written - the author was a queer Black American in 1950s.
David, the main character, is written as a white, toxically masculine figure struggling with the indecisiveness and insecurity of being bisexual. This struggle still resonates today. Men like David are still everywhere. Every toxic decision he made just made me hate him so much more. He claims to love Giovanni passionately one minute, and the next minute he wants to rip Giovanni apart. When he voices his hatred of Giovanni, he's really voicing his hatred of himself. He is so unable to accept his queerness and hangs desperately onto his toxic masculinity, until eventually, he has hurt everyone who ever loved him. Giovanni isn't perfect by any means (exhibiting some pretty borderline behavior when he repeatedly states that if David leaves him, he'll die), but he still loves David despite his empty promises and lies. The book is a cautionary tale to not be a huge asshole, especially towards those who love you.
I often wondered why James Baldwin only chose to address either race or sexuality in his novels, but not both. After reading this book I kind of understand why. There is so much shit going on for David, and the tone of the book would have changed if he weren't white.
Graphic: Biphobia, Death, Homophobia, Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol