A review by shoohoob
Giovanni's Room, by James Baldwin
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
I just finished reading this book and I already wish I could read it again for the first time.
Giovanni’s Room comes to me at a very interesting point in my life. I resonate so much with David - searching for “home” and wanting to return to place that doesn’t exist anymore. Just like him, I want to understand myself and what I want but am uncertain on how to get there. I don’t know if this book helped in figuring things out, but it resonated with me in a way I didn’t realize I longed for.
I’m so glad I read it. I think this book has aged so well and is still accessible as a classic. I think everyone should read it!
Giovanni’s Room comes to me at a very interesting point in my life. I resonate so much with David - searching for “home” and wanting to return to place that doesn’t exist anymore. Just like him, I want to understand myself and what I want but am uncertain on how to get there. I don’t know if this book helped in figuring things out, but it resonated with me in a way I didn’t realize I longed for.
I’m so glad I read it. I think this book has aged so well and is still accessible as a classic. I think everyone should read it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Toxic relationship, Confinement, Alcohol, Homophobia, Sexual assault, Infidelity, and Death