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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.

If you liked An American Marriage, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones
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    'Silver Sparrow' by Tayari Jones is a novel set in 1980s Atlanta, exploring the complex dynamics of a man living with two wives, each with a daughter. The story delves into the lives of Dana and Chaurisse, sisters who are unaware of each other's existence initially, as one is the secret daughter of their bigamist father. Through the perspectives of the two girls, the author portrays the impact of their father's actions on their lives and relationships, while also highlighting themes of family, deception, and the consequences of secrets. Tayari Jones's writing style is described as understated yet powerful, drawing comparisons to renowned authors like Anne Tyler and Barbara Kingsolver, as she navigates weighty issues with finesse and empathy, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with readers.

    MYFATHER, JAMESWITHERSPOON, is a bigamist. He was already married ten years when he first clamped eyes on my mother. In 1968, she was working at the gift-wrap counter at Davison’s downtown when my fat...

  2. #2

    Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff
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    Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff is a novel that delves into the complexities of a marriage, exploring the different perspectives and hidden truths within relationships. The story is narrated in two parts, Fates and Furies, each providing a unique viewpoint of the couple's life. The writing style is described as intricate and engaging, with a structure that allows for a deep dive into the characters' lives and emotions.

    Two people were coming up the beach. She was fair and sharp in a green bikini, though it was May in Maine and cold. He was tall, vivid; a light flickered in him that caught the eye and held it. Their ...

  3. #3

    Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
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    Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid follows the story of Emira Tucker, a 25-year-old African American woman working as a babysitter for a white family. The novel delves into themes of race, privilege, and power dynamics, particularly through the lens of Emira's experiences with her employer, Alix Chamberlain. The plot unfolds with a pivotal incident at an upscale grocery store where Emira is accused of kidnapping the white child she babysits, leading to a chain of events that challenge societal norms and relationships. Reid's writing style expertly navigates complex issues such as racism, female empowerment, and socioeconomic expectations, offering a compelling and thought-provoking narrative that keeps readers engaged.

    In a crowded apartment and across from someone screaming “That’s my song!,” Emira stood next to her girlfriends Zara, Josefa, and Shaunie. It was a Saturday night in September, and there was a little ...

  4. #4

    The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
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    'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett tells the story of light-skinned identical twins, Desiree and Stella, who leave their small town where lightness of skin is highly valued. Stella decides to pass as a white woman, while Desiree marries a dark man and returns to their hometown with her dark-skinned daughter. The novel explores the lives of the daughters of the twins, spanning from Louisiana to New York City, delving into themes of race, identity, family dynamics, and the consequences of choices made.

    The book is a multigenerational family saga that intricately weaves together the lives of the twin sisters, their daughters, and explores themes of racial identity, gender, family relationships, and the impact of societal norms. The writing is beautiful, the story thought-provoking, and the characters feel real, making it a compelling and immersive read that spans decades and various locations.

    The morning one of the lost twins returned to Mallard, Lou LeBon ran to the diner to break the news, and even now, many years later, everyone remembers the shock of sweaty Lou pushing through the glas...

  5. #5

    Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
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    Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a novel that delves into the complexities of race, immigration, and cultural identity through the intertwined stories of Ifemelu and Obinze. The book switches between Ifemelu's experiences in the U.S. and Obinze's in the U.K., exploring the challenges and differences they face as immigrants. Adichie's writing style combines sharp observations with personal storytelling, creating a narrative that raises important questions about race relations and societal norms in Nigeria, America, and England. Through Ifemelu's successful blog about race, the reader is exposed to thought-provoking commentary on class, culture, and the immigrant experience.

    Princeton, in the summer, smelled of nothing, and although Ifemelu liked the tranquil greenness of the many trees, the clean streets and stately homes, the delicately overpriced shops, and the quiet, ...

  6. #6

    Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
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    "Transcendent Kingdom" by Yaa Gyasi is a novel that delves into the complex life of Gifty, a Ghanaian immigrant and neuroscience Ph.D. candidate at Stanford University. The story follows Gifty as she navigates the challenges of family dynamics, addiction, mental health, religion, and the pursuit of scientific knowledge. Through non-linear storytelling, Gyasi weaves a narrative that explores Gifty's internal struggles, her relationships with her family members, and her quest to reconcile her scientific beliefs with her religious upbringing.

    Whenever I think of my mother, I picture a queen-sized bed with her lying in it, a practiced stillness filling the room. For months on end, she colonized that bed like a virus, the first time when I w...

  7. #7

    Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
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    Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward is a heartbreaking and emotional novel that follows the story of a young boy named Jojo, who is responsible for caring for his little sister Kayla while living with their drug-addicted mother and incarcerated father in rural Mississippi. The book delves into themes of family, race, justice, and the impact of historical traumas, as the characters embark on a road trip to pick up their father from prison, encountering ghosts and facing their own struggles along the way. The writing style is described as lyrical, poetic, and haunting, painting a vivid picture of despair and resilience that lingers with the reader long after finishing the book.

    I like to think I know what death is. I like to think that it’s something I could look at straight. When Pop tell me he need my help and I see that black knife slid into the belt of his pants, I follo...

  8. #8

    Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
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    In "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng, the story revolves around two families from different backgrounds whose lives become intertwined in unexpected ways. Set in the carefully planned community of Shaker Heights, Ohio, the novel explores themes of motherhood, class, race, and family dynamics. The plot unfolds through multiple perspectives, delving into the complexities of relationships and societal pressures, ultimately leading to devastating consequences for both families.

    The narrative structure of the book, which includes flashbacks and shifts in perspective, adds depth to the storytelling, keeping readers engaged as they uncover the secrets and tensions that fuel the little fires everywhere in the characters' lives. Ng's writing style delicately handles serious issues such as adoption, motherhood, and prejudice, allowing the characters to speak for themselves and leaving readers to ponder the moral dilemmas presented throughout the novel.

    The previous June, when Mia and Pearl had moved into the little rental house on Winslow Road, neither Mrs. Richardson (who technically owned the house) nor Mr. Richardson (who handed over the keys) ha...

  9. #9

    Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
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    "Small Great Things" by Jodi Picoult is a thought-provoking novel that tackles the conversation about race, prejudice, and the justice system through the intertwining stories of a black nurse, a white lawyer, and a white supremacist. The book delves into social prejudicial issues, moral dilemmas, and the complexities of racial bias in a gripping narrative that includes a tense court trial. Through vivid characters and intricate storytelling, Picoult sheds light on hidden biases and stereotypes, prompting readers to reflect on their own views and prejudices.

    The novel explores the impact of racism on the lives of individuals, particularly focusing on the experiences of a black nurse, Ruth, who faces discrimination and injustice when accused of murder by a white supremacist couple. Picoult's writing style is described as raw with emotion, intense, and complex, as she skillfully weaves together multiple perspectives to create a compelling narrative that addresses timely and controversial issues with depth and sensitivity.

    THE MIRACLE HAPPENED ON WEST Seventy-fourth Street, in the home where Mama worked. It was a big brownstone encircled by a wrought-iron fence, and overlooking either side of the ornate door were gargoy...

  10. #10

    Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
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    'Girl, Woman, Other' by Bernardine Evaristo is a novel that delves into the lives of twelve vastly different women, mostly black, living in Britain. Each character is intricately portrayed with empathy and compassion, showcasing their struggles, triumphs, and complexities. The novel weaves together the stories of these women, exploring themes of identity, gender, race, culture, family, and love in a poetic and innovative narrative style.

    The book is structured as a series of interconnected vignettes, each focusing on a different woman, with a narrative style that blends prose and poetry. Through these individual stories, Evaristo paints a rich, funny, poignant, and honest portrayal of black British womanhood, touching on current cultural debates and celebrating the diverse yet united experiences of Anglo African women.

    after so long hearing a polite no from her predecessors, she received a phone call just after breakfast one Monday morning when her life stretched emptily ahead with only online television dramas to l...

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