Who Would Like This Book:
This is an emotionally powerful and beautifully written novel that explores what happens when a young marriage is upended by a wrongful conviction. Tayari Jones dives deep into complex issues of love, loyalty, race, and the justice system with empathy and nuance, offering distinct and human portrayals of Roy, Celestial, and Andre. If you enjoy literary fiction with vibrant, flawed characters, timely social themes, and multiple perspectives, this book will absolutely grip you. Book clubs and readers who like dissecting relationships and tough moral questions will find plenty to discuss!
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers struggle to connect with the characters, especially Celestial, finding her actions difficult to sympathize with. The love triangle aspect and shifting points of view aren't for everyone, and if you're looking for a fast-paced plot, you'll find this a highly character-driven and reflective story instead. Others felt the ending wrapped things up a bit too neatly or wanted more direct focus on the legal injustice rather than the marriage. Those turned off by Oprah's Book Club picks or literary fiction tropes might not find this to their taste.
About:
In "An American Marriage," author Tayari Jones explores the devastating impact of a wrongful imprisonment on a young, married couple, Roy and Celestial. The narrative delves into their struggles to maintain their relationship while dealing with the challenges of separation and evolving feelings. Through multiple perspectives and letters, the story unfolds, highlighting the complexities of love, injustice, and the harsh realities of life.
The plot of "An American Marriage" is characterized by its heart-wrenching and realistic portrayal of the characters' experiences. Tayari Jones weaves a tale that grapples with themes of loss, resilience, and the complexities of human emotions. The novel navigates the intricate dynamics between the characters, exploring the moral dilemmas they face and the impact of societal injustices on their lives.
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Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of wrongful imprisonment, racism, infidelity, and emotional distress.
Has Romance?
While there is a romance element present in the relationships depicted, it is complicated by the circumstances surrounding the characters, making it less traditional and more nuanced.
From The Publisher:
A New York Times Bestseller
A New York Times and Washington Post Notable Book
A Best of the Year Selection of NPR, Time, and O, The Oprah Magazine
An Oprah�'s Book Club Selection
Longlisted for the National Book Award for Fiction
Newlyweds Celestial and Roy are the embodiment of both the American Dream and the New South. He is a young executive, and she is an artist on the brink of an exciting career. But as they settle into their life together, Roy is arrested and sentenced to twelve years for a crime Celestial knows he didn� t commit. Celestial finds herself bereft and unmoored, taking comfort in Andre, her childhood friend, and best man at their weeding. As Roy�'s time in prison passes, she is unable to hold onto the love that has been her center. After five years, Roy�'s conviction is suddenly overturned, and he returns to Atlanta ready to resume their life together. PIM 23-APR-19 01.
Ratings (49)
Incredible (1) | |
Loved It (17) | |
Liked It (14) | |
It Was OK (12) | |
Did Not Like (4) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (117):
Read It (53) | |
Want To Read (46) | |
Did Not Finish (2) | |
Not Interested (16) |
5 comment(s)
Starts out really well and has a lot of potential, but then just gets so boring. The characters aren’t likeable nor do they develop much or have much depth. Plus the sexist marriage tropes throughout just get unbearable.
This book is brilliant. It is told through the three main characters perspective, Roy, Celestial, and Andre. Roy and Celestial are married and then Roy is convicted of a crime he didn't commit. Wrong Race, wrong place as is quoted in the book more than once. After 5 years his conviction is overturned. The book also has a section where Roy and Celestial send letters to each other. You really feel the injustice done to Roy but how much of an impact it has on everyone's life.
This book is engrossing. It is culturally significant,
with well developed, believable characters. The author keeps you invested by changing between three narrators with super smooth transitions. It is an easy read, covering difficult topics realistically. A page turner.
I found this book to be really dull and I didn’t like celestial. She didn’t feel genuine
An American Marriage is a book that mirrors the experience of a couple under the oppressive boot of bad luck and the limitations of the justice system.
Celestial and Roy are in love. Would it ever be enough?
Tayari's take on the story is both nuanced and evocative.
What can you read after
An American Marriage?
About the Author:
Tayari Jones is the author of four novels, including Silver Sparrow, The Untelling, and Leaving Atlanta. Jones holds degrees from Spelman College, Arizona State University, and the University of Iowa. A winner of numerous literary awards, she is a professor of creative writing at Emory University. Visit her website at www.tayarijones.com.
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