Good, 24 Feb 2008
Despite everyone telling me what a powerful book this was and what a life changing impact it had on them and their views I found this not to be the case. Perhaps I just lack the context of growing up the civil rights era though. That's not to say this is by any means a bad book. It's an interesting read detailing the lives of various members of one family, the mistakes they make and their turning away and return to the Lord. The complex father son relationship is especially well written about and contains perhaps the most autobiographical part of the novel. It shows their fallings and explains their harshness, the characters are engaging and it paints a vivid picture of the black community in America during the early to middle twentieth century particularly with their relationship to the church.

Modern classic, 24 Feb 2003
James Baldwins first novel, in which he deals with issues he had with his father, religion and his sexuality, though it is definitely not a autobiographical account of his life.

It concerns a young black boyin harlem called Johnny Grimes, destined to become a preahcer like his father, but he has doubts, and struggles with a hatred for his father, and an attraction towards an older boy in the congregation. However, the narrative jumps from him through the novel, and we learn about the past of his father, his mother and his auntie.

This is a wondefully emotive and affecting book, with an underlying sense of sadness running throughout, written in a beautifully lyrical style.

Baldwin's first and best novel, 02 May 2001
Much of this novel is based on real life experiences of Baldwin and his family. The story focuses on the conflict between a young boy, John Grimes, and his father who is a preacher. The book is divided into three sections, the middle one being the most interesting. This section is told in a series of flashbacks telling the life stories of John's father, mother, and aunt. Unlike Baldwin's other novels, this work is not filled with a lot of political rhetoric. The story is simple and very enjoyable. Additionally, this novel describes African American church life reallly well.

A walk on the dark side, 08 Apr 1997
It's obviously a classic, but the book sometimes gets a bit teadious. The book gives a good view on subjects like racism, religion and the black community in America. If you're interested in that kind of subjects and if you're determined enough to get through the book; this is the book for you. Rolf Donders Twikkelstraat 37 4834 LL Breda- The Netherlands

Good, 24 Feb 2008
Despite everyone telling me what a powerful book this was and what a life changing impact it had on them and their views I found this not to be the case. Perhaps I just lack the context of growing up the civil rights era though. That's not to say this is by any means a bad book. It's an interesting read detailing the lives of various members of one family, the mistakes they make and their turning away and return to the Lord. The complex father son relationship is especially well written about and contains perhaps the most autobiographical part of the novel. It shows their fallings and explains their harshness, the characters are engaging and it paints a vivid picture of the black community in America during the early to middle twentieth century particularly with their relationship to the church.

Modern classic, 24 Feb 2003
James Baldwins first novel, in which he deals with issues he had with his father, religion and his sexuality, though it is definitely not a autobiographical account of his life.

It concerns a young black boyin harlem called Johnny Grimes, destined to become a preahcer like his father, but he has doubts, and struggles with a hatred for his father, and an attraction towards an older boy in the congregation. However, the narrative jumps from him through the novel, and we learn about the past of his father, his mother and his auntie.

This is a wondefully emotive and affecting book, with an underlying sense of sadness running throughout, written in a beautifully lyrical style.

Baldwin's first and best novel, 02 May 2001
Much of this novel is based on real life experiences of Baldwin and his family. The story focuses on the conflict between a young boy, John Grimes, and his father who is a preacher. The book is divided into three sections, the middle one being the most interesting. This section is told in a series of flashbacks telling the life stories of John's father, mother, and aunt. Unlike Baldwin's other novels, this work is not filled with a lot of political rhetoric. The story is simple and very enjoyable. Additionally, this novel describes African American church life reallly well.

A walk on the dark side, 08 Apr 1997
It's obviously a classic, but the book sometimes gets a bit teadious. The book gives a good view on subjects like racism, religion and the black community in America. If you're interested in that kind of subjects and if you're determined enough to get through the book; this is the book for you. Rolf Donders Twikkelstraat 37 4834 LL Breda- The Netherlands

Good Stuff Doesn't Age, It Matures, 21 Sep 2008
Although advancing in its fifties, Giovanni's Room is a novel which does not get older, it only gets better. It still strikes the reader with the courage and opennes with which James Baldwin tackles his largely unspeakable (at the time of its writing) subject matter. The pains and tortures of search for sexual identity are rendered with real mastery and even if the ending may seem a bow to the demands of an age long gone, it only adds to the psychological truth of the novel. An absolute classic!

First Love, 15 Jul 2008
I found this such an interesting book to read. About a young man, David, who while in Paris, away from his fiance, has a relationship with an italian barman named Giovanni, which ends in tragedy. I'd call it tragedy, but its not an "oh my god, im sleeping with my mother" tragedy, the characters are tragic, in their hopelessness, their inability to recognise whats right for themselves, let alone anybody else.

Brilliant, and painful, 25 May 2007
This is an excellent novel, I could not put it down, in spite of the fact that, knowing that it would all go terribly bad, I was always scared of what could happen. It is a sad story, and yet so true, in the way it portrays a city, a historical period, and the realisation (and denial) of one's homosexuality. Yes, the main character is a coward, and yet Baldwin does not push the reader into hating him. We don't like him, we would not behave like him, still we can understand.

Beautiful, emotional and tragic. Worthy of 'classic', 20 Feb 2006
The book set in Paris, and is about an American who due to marry his fiancé upon her return from travelling Spain, but the problem is he is a man who has repressed his homosexual desires the majority of his life. That is, until he meets the irresistible Giovanni, an Italian barman who left his homeland and wife because of a family tragedy. From the start of the book, you are alerted to the Giovanni’s impending doom. That’s not normally something I like in book, I want there to be surprise and shock, but it works well here. As you learn more about Giovanni, and the relationship with the two men, you don’t want the tragedy to occur, there is a constant sense of dread as you yourself fall in love with and empathise with Giovanni’s character. I won’t write more for fear of giving too much away, but suffice to say, the book is beautifully written, very moving, and I was unable to put it down.

flawless, 29 Aug 2004
What can one say about such a book? It's absorbing, lyrical, interesting, entertaining, intelligent, beautiful, and revealing which confirms it's standing as a work of art.

Good, 24 Feb 2008
Despite everyone telling me what a powerful book this was and what a life changing impact it had on them and their views I found this not to be the case. Perhaps I just lack the context of growing up the civil rights era though. That's not to say this is by any means a bad book. It's an interesting read detailing the lives of various members of one family, the mistakes they make and their turning away and return to the Lord. The complex father son relationship is especially well written about and contains perhaps the most autobiographical part of the novel. It shows their fallings and explains their harshness, the characters are engaging and it paints a vivid picture of the black community in America during the early to middle twentieth century particularly with their relationship to the church.

Modern classic, 24 Feb 2003
James Baldwins first novel, in which he deals with issues he had with his father, religion and his sexuality, though it is definitely not a autobiographical account of his life.

It concerns a young black boyin harlem called Johnny Grimes, destined to become a preahcer like his father, but he has doubts, and struggles with a hatred for his father, and an attraction towards an older boy in the congregation. However, the narrative jumps from him through the novel, and we learn about the past of his father, his mother and his auntie.

This is a wondefully emotive and affecting book, with an underlying sense of sadness running throughout, written in a beautifully lyrical style.

Baldwin's first and best novel, 02 May 2001
Much of this novel is based on real life experiences of Baldwin and his family. The story focuses on the conflict between a young boy, John Grimes, and his father who is a preacher. The book is divided into three sections, the middle one being the most interesting. This section is told in a series of flashbacks telling the life stories of John's father, mother, and aunt. Unlike Baldwin's other novels, this work is not filled with a lot of political rhetoric. The story is simple and very enjoyable. Additionally, this novel describes African American church life reallly well.

A walk on the dark side, 08 Apr 1997
It's obviously a classic, but the book sometimes gets a bit teadious. The book gives a good view on subjects like racism, religion and the black community in America. If you're interested in that kind of subjects and if you're determined enough to get through the book; this is the book for you. Rolf Donders Twikkelstraat 37 4834 LL Breda- The Netherlands

Good Stuff Doesn't Age, It Matures, 21 Sep 2008
Although advancing in its fifties, Giovanni's Room is a novel which does not get older, it only gets better. It still strikes the reader with the courage and opennes with which James Baldwin tackles his largely unspeakable (at the time of its writing) subject matter. The pains and tortures of search for sexual identity are rendered with real mastery and even if the ending may seem a bow to the demands of an age long gone, it only adds to the psychological truth of the novel. An absolute classic!

First Love, 15 Jul 2008
I found this such an interesting book to read. About a young man, David, who while in Paris, away from his fiance, has a relationship with an italian barman named Giovanni, which ends in tragedy. I'd call it tragedy, but its not an "oh my god, im sleeping with my mother" tragedy, the characters are tragic, in their hopelessness, their inability to recognise whats right for themselves, let alone anybody else.

Brilliant, and painful, 25 May 2007
This is an excellent novel, I could not put it down, in spite of the fact that, knowing that it would all go terribly bad, I was always scared of what could happen. It is a sad story, and yet so true, in the way it portrays a city, a historical period, and the realisation (and denial) of one's homosexuality. Yes, the main character is a coward, and yet Baldwin does not push the reader into hating him. We don't like him, we would not behave like him, still we can understand.

Beautiful, emotional and tragic. Worthy of 'classic', 20 Feb 2006
The book set in Paris, and is about an American who due to marry his fiancé upon her return from travelling Spain, but the problem is he is a man who has repressed his homosexual desires the majority of his life. That is, until he meets the irresistible Giovanni, an Italian barman who left his homeland and wife because of a family tragedy. From the start of the book, you are alerted to the Giovanni’s impending doom. That’s not normally something I like in book, I want there to be surprise and shock, but it works well here. As you learn more about Giovanni, and the relationship with the two men, you don’t want the tragedy to occur, there is a constant sense of dread as you yourself fall in love with and empathise with Giovanni’s character. I won’t write more for fear of giving too much away, but suffice to say, the book is beautifully written, very moving, and I was unable to put it down.

flawless, 29 Aug 2004
What can one say about such a book? It's absorbing, lyrical, interesting, entertaining, intelligent, beautiful, and revealing which confirms it's standing as a work of art.

Baldwin's finest work, 02 May 2001
This essay collection is divided into two parts: "My Dungeon Shook" and "Down at the Cross". "Dungeon" is the shorter of the two pieces and is addressed to Baldwin's nephew. Baldwin tells his nephew how to survive living in a racist society (USA of 1960's). The second essay in the collection deals with the Black Islam Movement. Baldwin attacks the ideas of this movement and calls for an end to prejudice. The language, imagery, and ideas Baldwin uses in these two essays is absolutely brilliant. This book receives my highest recommendation.

inspiring, moving, 19 Dec 1998
A great book! A great writer!

Good, 24 Feb 2008
Despite everyone telling me what a powerful book this was and what a life changing impact it had on them and their views I found this not to be the case. Perhaps I just lack the context of growing up the civil rights era though. That's not to say this is by any means a bad book. It's an interesting read detailing the lives of various members of one family, the mistakes they make and their turning away and return to the Lord. The complex father son relationship is especially well written about and contains perhaps the most autobiographical part of the novel. It shows their fallings and explains their harshness, the characters are engaging and it paints a vivid picture of the black community in America during the early to middle twentieth century particularly with their relationship to the church.

Modern classic, 24 Feb 2003
James Baldwins first novel, in which he deals with issues he had with his father, religion and his sexuality, though it is definitely not a autobiographical account of his life.

It concerns a young black boyin harlem called Johnny Grimes, destined to become a preahcer like his father, but he has doubts, and struggles with a hatred for his father, and an attraction towards an older boy in the congregation. However, the narrative jumps from him through the novel, and we learn about the past of his father, his mother and his auntie.

This is a wondefully emotive and affecting book, with an underlying sense of sadness running throughout, written in a beautifully lyrical style.

Baldwin's first and best novel, 02 May 2001
Much of this novel is based on real life experiences of Baldwin and his family. The story focuses on the conflict between a young boy, John Grimes, and his father who is a preacher. The book is divided into three sections, the middle one being the most interesting. This section is told in a series of flashbacks telling the life stories of John's father, mother, and aunt. Unlike Baldwin's other novels, this work is not filled with a lot of political rhetoric. The story is simple and very enjoyable. Additionally, this novel describes African American church life reallly well.

A walk on the dark side, 08 Apr 1997
It's obviously a classic, but the book sometimes gets a bit teadious. The book gives a good view on subjects like racism, religion and the black community in America. If you're interested in that kind of subjects and if you're determined enough to get through the book; this is the book for you. Rolf Donders Twikkelstraat 37 4834 LL Breda- The Netherlands

Good Stuff Doesn't Age, It Matures, 21 Sep 2008
Although advancing in its fifties, Giovanni's Room is a novel which does not get older, it only gets better. It still strikes the reader with the courage and opennes with which James Baldwin tackles his largely unspeakable (at the time of its writing) subject matter. The pains and tortures of search for sexual identity are rendered with real mastery and even if the ending may seem a bow to the demands of an age long gone, it only adds to the psychological truth of the novel. An absolute classic!

First Love, 15 Jul 2008
I found this such an interesting book to read. About a young man, David, who while in Paris, away from his fiance, has a relationship with an italian barman named Giovanni, which ends in tragedy. I'd call it tragedy, but its not an "oh my god, im sleeping with my mother" tragedy, the characters are tragic, in their hopelessness, their inability to recognise whats right for themselves, let alone anybody else.

Brilliant, and painful, 25 May 2007
This is an excellent novel, I could not put it down, in spite of the fact that, knowing that it would all go terribly bad, I was always scared of what could happen. It is a sad story, and yet so true, in the way it portrays a city, a historical period, and the realisation (and denial) of one's homosexuality. Yes, the main character is a coward, and yet Baldwin does not push the reader into hating him. We don't like him, we would not behave like him, still we can understand.

Beautiful, emotional and tragic. Worthy of 'classic', 20 Feb 2006
The book set in Paris, and is about an American who due to marry his fiancé upon her return from travelling Spain, but the problem is he is a man who has repressed his homosexual desires the majority of his life. That is, until he meets the irresistible Giovanni, an Italian barman who left his homeland and wife because of a family tragedy. From the start of the book, you are alerted to the Giovanni’s impending doom. That’s not normally something I like in book, I want there to be surprise and shock, but it works well here. As you learn more about Giovanni, and the relationship with the two men, you don’t want the tragedy to occur, there is a constant sense of dread as you yourself fall in love with and empathise with Giovanni’s character. I won’t write more for fear of giving too much away, but suffice to say, the book is beautifully written, very moving, and I was unable to put it down.

flawless, 29 Aug 2004
What can one say about such a book? It's absorbing, lyrical, interesting, entertaining, intelligent, beautiful, and revealing which confirms it's standing as a work of art.

Baldwin's finest work, 02 May 2001
This essay collection is divided into two parts: "My Dungeon Shook" and "Down at the Cross". "Dungeon" is the shorter of the two pieces and is addressed to Baldwin's nephew. Baldwin tells his nephew how to survive living in a racist society (USA of 1960's). The second essay in the collection deals with the Black Islam Movement. Baldwin attacks the ideas of this movement and calls for an end to prejudice. The language, imagery, and ideas Baldwin uses in these two essays is absolutely brilliant. This book receives my highest recommendation.

inspiring, moving, 19 Dec 1998
A great book! A great writer!

Good Stuff Doesn't Age, It Matures, 21 Sep 2008
Although advancing in its fifties, Giovanni's Room is a novel which does not get older, it only gets better. It still strikes the reader with the courage and opennes with which James Baldwin tackles his largely unspeakable (at the time of its writing) subject matter. The pains and tortures of search for sexual identity are rendered with real mastery and even if the ending may seem a bow to the demands of an age long gone, it only adds to the psychological truth of the novel. An absolute classic!

First Love, 15 Jul 2008
I found this such an interesting book to read. About a young man, David, who while in Paris, away from his fiance, has a relationship with an italian barman named Giovanni, which ends in tragedy. I'd call it tragedy, but its not an "oh my god, im sleeping with my mother" tragedy, the characters are tragic, in their hopelessness, their inability to recognise whats right for themselves, let alone anybody else.

Brilliant, and painful, 25 May 2007
This is an excellent novel, I could not put it down, in spite of the fact that, knowing that it would all go terribly bad, I was always scared of what could happen. It is a sad story, and yet so true, in the way it portrays a city, a historical period, and the realisation (and denial) of one's homosexuality. Yes, the main character is a coward, and yet Baldwin does not push the reader into hating him. We don't like him, we would not behave like him, still we can understand.

Beautiful, emotional and tragic. Worthy of 'classic', 20 Feb 2006
The book set in Paris, and is about an American who due to marry his fiancé upon her return from travelling Spain, but the problem is he is a man who has repressed his homosexual desires the majority of his life. That is, until he meets the irresistible Giovanni, an Italian barman who left his homeland and wife because of a family tragedy. From the start of the book, you are alerted to the Giovanni’s impending doom. That’s not normally something I like in book, I want there to be surprise and shock, but it works well here. As you learn more about Giovanni, and the relationship with the two men, you don’t want the tragedy to occur, there is a constant sense of dread as you yourself fall in love with and empathise with Giovanni’s character. I won’t write more for fear of giving too much away, but suffice to say, the book is beautifully written, very moving, and I was unable to put it down.

flawless, 29 Aug 2004
What can one say about such a book? It's absorbing, lyrical, interesting, entertaining, intelligent, beautiful, and revealing which confirms it's standing as a work of art.

Good, 24 Feb 2008
Despite everyone telling me what a powerful book this was and what a life changing impact it had on them and their views I found this not to be the case. Perhaps I just lack the context of growing up the civil rights era though. That's not to say this is by any means a bad book. It's an interesting read detailing the lives of various members of one family, the mistakes they make and their turning away and return to the Lord. The complex father son relationship is especially well written about and contains perhaps the most autobiographical part of the novel. It shows their fallings and explains their harshness, the characters are engaging and it paints a vivid picture of the black community in America during the early to middle twentieth century particularly with their relationship to the church.

Modern classic, 24 Feb 2003
James Baldwins first novel, in which he deals with issues he had with his father, religion and his sexuality, though it is definitely not a autobiographical account of his life.

It concerns a young black boyin harlem called Johnny Grimes, destined to become a preahcer like his father, but he has doubts, and struggles with a hatred for his father, and an attraction towards an older boy in the congregation. However, the narrative jumps from him through the novel, and we learn about the past of his father, his mother and his auntie.

This is a wondefully emotive and affecting book, with an underlying sense of sadness running throughout, written in a beautifully lyrical style.

Baldwin's first and best novel, 02 May 2001
Much of this novel is based on real life experiences of Baldwin and his family. The story focuses on the conflict between a young boy, John Grimes, and his father who is a preacher. The book is divided into three sections, the middle one being the most interesting. This section is told in a series of flashbacks telling the life stories of John's father, mother, and aunt. Unlike Baldwin's other novels, this work is not filled with a lot of political rhetoric. The story is simple and very enjoyable. Additionally, this novel describes African American church life reallly well.

A walk on the dark side, 08 Apr 1997
It's obviously a classic, but the book sometimes gets a bit teadious. The book gives a good view on subjects like racism, religion and the black community in America. If you're interested in that kind of subjects and if you're determined enough to get through the book; this is the book for you. Rolf Donders Twikkelstraat 37 4834 LL Breda- The Netherlands

Good Stuff Doesn't Age, It Matures, 21 Sep 2008
Although advancing in its fifties, Giovanni's Room is a novel which does not get older, it only gets better. It still strikes the reader with the courage and opennes with which James Baldwin tackles his largely unspeakable (at the time of its writing) subject matter. The pains and tortures of search for sexual identity are rendered with real mastery and even if the ending may seem a bow to the demands of an age long gone, it only adds to the psychological truth of the novel. An absolute classic!

First Love, 15 Jul 2008
I found this such an interesting book to read. About a young man, David, who while in Paris, away from his fiance, has a relationship with an italian barman named Giovanni, which ends in tragedy. I'd call it tragedy, but its not an "oh my god, im sleeping with my mother" tragedy, the characters are tragic, in their hopelessness, their inability to recognise whats right for themselves, let alone anybody else.

Brilliant, and painful, 25 May 2007
This is an excellent novel, I could not put it down, in spite of the fact that, knowing that it would all go terribly bad, I was always scared of what could happen. It is a sad story, and yet so true, in the way it portrays a city, a historical period, and the realisation (and denial) of one's homosexuality. Yes, the main character is a coward, and yet Baldwin does not push the reader into hating him. We don't like him, we would not behave like him, still we can understand.

Beautiful, emotional and tragic. Worthy of 'classic', 20 Feb 2006
The book set in Paris, and is about an American who due to marry his fiancé upon her return from travelling Spain, but the problem is he is a man who has repressed his homosexual desires the majority of his life. That is, until he meets the irresistible Giovanni, an Italian barman who left his homeland and wife because of a family tragedy. From the start of the book, you are alerted to the Giovanni’s impending doom. That’s not normally something I like in book, I want there to be surprise and shock, but it works well here. As you learn more about Giovanni, and the relationship with the two men, you don’t want the tragedy to occur, there is a constant sense of dread as you yourself fall in love with and empathise with Giovanni’s character. I won’t write more for fear of giving too much away, but suffice to say, the book is beautifully written, very moving, and I was unable to put it down.

flawless, 29 Aug 2004
What can one say about such a book? It's absorbing, lyrical, interesting, entertaining, intelligent, beautiful, and revealing which confirms it's standing as a work of art.

Baldwin's finest work, 02 May 2001
This essay collection is divided into two parts: "My Dungeon Shook" and "Down at the Cross". "Dungeon" is the shorter of the two pieces and is addressed to Baldwin's nephew. Baldwin tells his nephew how to survive living in a racist society (USA of 1960's). The second essay in the collection deals with the Black Islam Movement. Baldwin attacks the ideas of this movement and calls for an end to prejudice. The language, imagery, and ideas Baldwin uses in these two essays is absolutely brilliant. This book receives my highest recommendation.

inspiring, moving, 19 Dec 1998
A great book! A great writer!

Good Stuff Doesn't Age, It Matures, 21 Sep 2008
Although advancing in its fifties, Giovanni's Room is a novel which does not get older, it only gets better. It still strikes the reader with the courage and opennes with which James Baldwin tackles his largely unspeakable (at the time of its writing) subject matter. The pains and tortures of search for sexual identity are rendered with real mastery and even if the ending may seem a bow to the demands of an age long gone, it only adds to the psychological truth of the novel. An absolute classic!

First Love, 15 Jul 2008
I found this such an interesting book to read. About a young man, David, who while in Paris, away from his fiance, has a relationship with an italian barman named Giovanni, which ends in tragedy. I'd call it tragedy, but its not an "oh my god, im sleeping with my mother" tragedy, the characters are tragic, in their hopelessness, their inability to recognise whats right for themselves, let alone anybody else.

Brilliant, and painful, 25 May 2007
This is an excellent novel, I could not put it down, in spite of the fact that, knowing that it would all go terribly bad, I was always scared of what could happen. It is a sad story, and yet so true, in the way it portrays a city, a historical period, and the realisation (and denial) of one's homosexuality. Yes, the main character is a coward, and yet Baldwin does not push the reader into hating him. We don't like him, we would not behave like him, still we can understand.

Beautiful, emotional and tragic. Worthy of 'classic', 20 Feb 2006
The book set in Paris, and is about an American who due to marry his fiancé upon her return from travelling Spain, but the problem is he is a man who has repressed his homosexual desires the majority of his life. That is, until he meets the irresistible Giovanni, an Italian barman who left his homeland and wife because of a family tragedy. From the start of the book, you are alerted to the Giovanni’s impending doom. That’s not normally something I like in book, I want there to be surprise and shock, but it works well here. As you learn more about Giovanni, and the relationship with the two men, you don’t want the tragedy to occur, there is a constant sense of dread as you yourself fall in love with and empathise with Giovanni’s character. I won’t write more for fear of giving too much away, but suffice to say, the book is beautifully written, very moving, and I was unable to put it down.

flawless, 29 Aug 2004
What can one say about such a book? It's absorbing, lyrical, interesting, entertaining, intelligent, beautiful, and revealing which confirms it's standing as a work of art.

Excellent, 12 Oct 2008
A multi-layered exploration about the struggle to relate, both heterosexually and homosexually, and to find one's true sexuality. Set mainly in New York amongst Harlam jazz musicians and struggling novelists, but also partly in France. It's a testament to the struggle to love honestly and to being true to oneself in the context of relationships which grow. It faces up to deceipt and the difficult emotional choices which we face.
This is an excellent book. Sometimes Baldwin can seems stilted, but this flows and lives. We really feel we've got alongside the characters and their struggles - the strength of expression and passion is definitely there.


Time for a New York Revival!, 27 Dec 2003
This is C20th American Literature at its best. OK, I know it was written in the "jazzy" 60s and the dialogue is dated but the issues are alive and the writing is great. Baldwin deserves a revival. Discover him by reading this novel. The end of Chapter 1 will break your heart and that's just the start! I defy you to read this and not be moved,elated,rejuvenated,disturbed and transported to a New York of times gone yet still there, maybe unfortunately-you decide. A human drama an a massive scale.

Fascinating account of contemporary inner conflicts., 13 Nov 2000
Baldwin's poetic narrative style is a joy to read. The theme of isolation and the development of the self in a troubled environment, is at times deeply moving and at others intrinsically uplifting. The reality of significant moments and experiences are shared through Baldwin's use of simple yet effective imagery. He tackles the inner conflicts and the journeys of life that everyone can relate to despite sex, age or colour.

Skip it, definitely not his best, 26 May 1999
I am usually quite an avid Baldwin fan but I was a bit surprised by why this book got rave reviews. It is certainly not vintage Baldwin: it does not have the quick, emotional power of his short stories, the fire of his non fiction, or the stinging dialogue of his plays. The story and plot are fine, but the dialogue is tedious and over-done and at points, hard to believe. Stylistically, I've read better Baldwin, much better - and for me, that has always been one of the most attractive features of his writing. The ease with which he places personality on character in his other works (e.g. Sonny's Blues) is notably absent in this one. Though it does address some very relevant issues of our times, I don't know if it should be included in American standard fare as many critics contend.

Compelling look at racism &the struggle for self knowledge, 20 Apr 1999
An epic of a novel, Another Country really is two novels in one: the first is the story of Rufus Scott, a black man living in the segregated world of NYC in the 50's, struggling to find a way out of the mire of alienation and self-hatred, while the second is a portrait of the people who are left behind after Rufus exits the stage. The first part is gripping and beautifully realized, while the second is a much more pedestrian look at a collection of confused, tormented folks scanning the streets of Manhattan as well as each other's beds in search of meaning. Baldwin is an amazingly original and insightful writer, yet the novel feels anticlimactic after the first section narrated by Rufus, and the conclusion seems too pat. Still, for its discussion of issues of race, class, homosexuality, adultery, and the struggle for self-knowledge, Another Country, published in 1962, was far ahead of its time.

Good, 24 Feb 2008
Despite everyone telling me what a powerful book this was and what a life changing impact it had on them and their views I found this not to be the case. Perhaps I just lack the context of growing up the civil rights era though. That's not to say this is by any means a bad book. It's an interesting read detailing the lives of various members of one family, the mistakes they make and their turning away and return to the Lord. The complex father son relationship is especially well written about and contains perhaps the most autobiographical part of the novel. It shows their fallings and explains their harshness, the characters are engaging and it paints a vivid picture of the black community in America during the early to middle twentieth century particularly with their relationship to the church.

Modern classic, 24 Feb 2003
James Baldwins first novel, in which he deals with issues he had with his father, religion and his sexuality, though it is definitely not a autobiographical account of his life.

It concerns a young black boyin harlem called Johnny Grimes, destined to become a preahcer like his father, but he has doubts, and struggles with a hatred for his father, and an attraction towards an older boy in the congregation. However, the narrative jumps from him through the novel, and we learn about the past of his father, his mother and his auntie.

This is a wondefully emotive and affecting book, with an underlying sense of sadness running throughout, written in a beautifully lyrical style.

Baldwin's first and best novel, 02 May 2001
Much of this novel is based on real life experiences of Baldwin and his family. The story focuses on the conflict between a young boy, John Grimes, and his father who is a preacher. The book is divided into three sections, the middle one being the most interesting. This section is told in a series of flashbacks telling the life stories of John's father, mother, and aunt. Unlike Baldwin's other novels, this work is not filled with a lot of political rhetoric. The story is simple and very enjoyable. Additionally, this novel describes African American church life reallly well.

A walk on the dark side, 08 Apr 1997
It's obviously a classic, but the book sometimes gets a bit teadious. The book gives a good view on subjects like racism, religion and the black community in America. If you're interested in that kind of subjects and if you're determined enough to get through the book; this is the book for you. Rolf Donders Twikkelstraat 37 4834 LL Breda- The Netherlands

Good Stuff Doesn't Age, It Matures, 21 Sep 2008
Although advancing in its fifties, Giovanni's Room is a novel which does not get older, it only gets better. It still strikes the reader with the courage and opennes with which James Baldwin tackles his largely unspeakable (at the time of its writing) subject matter. The pains and tortures of search for sexual identity are rendered with real mastery and even if the ending may seem a bow to the demands of an age long gone, it only adds to the psychological truth of the novel. An absolute classic!

First Love, 15 Jul 2008
I found this such an interesting book to read. About a young man, David, who while in Paris, away from his fiance, has a relationship with an italian barman named Giovanni, which ends in tragedy. I'd call it tragedy, but its not an "oh my god, im sleeping with my mother" tragedy, the characters are tragic, in their hopelessness, their inability to recognise whats right for themselves, let alone anybody else.

Brilliant, and painful, 25 May 2007
This is an excellent novel, I could not put it down, in spite of the fact that, knowing that it would all go terribly bad, I was always scared of what could happen. It is a sad story, and yet so true, in the way it portrays a city, a historical period, and the realisation (and denial) of one's homosexuality. Yes, the main character is a coward, and yet Baldwin does not push the reader into hating him. We don't like him, we would not behave like him, still we can understand.

Beautiful, emotional and tragic. Worthy of 'classic', 20 Feb 2006
The book set in Paris, and is about an American who due to marry his fiancé upon her return from travelling Spain, but the problem is he is a man who has repressed his homosexual desires the majority of his life. That is, until he meets the irresistible Giovanni, an Italian barman who left his homeland and wife because of a family tragedy. From the start of the book, you are alerted to the Giovanni’s impending doom. That’s not normally something I like in book, I want there to be surprise and shock, but it works well here. As you learn more about Giovanni, and the relationship with the two men, you don’t want the tragedy to occur, there is a constant sense of dread as you yourself fall in love with and empathise with Giovanni’s character. I won’t write more for fear of giving too much away, but suffice to say, the book is beautifully written, very moving, and I was unable to put it down.

flawless, 29 Aug 2004
What can one say about such a book? It's absorbing, lyrical, interesting, entertaining, intelligent, beautiful, and revealing which confirms it's standing as a work of art.

Baldwin's finest work, 02 May 2001
This essay collection is divided into two parts: "My Dungeon Shook" and "Down at the Cross". "Dungeon" is the shorter of the two pieces and is addressed to Baldwin's nephew. Baldwin tells his nephew how to survive living in a racist society (USA of 1960's). The second essay in the collection deals with the Black Islam Movement. Baldwin attacks the ideas of this movement and calls for an end to prejudice. The language, imagery, and ideas Baldwin uses in these two essays is absolutely brilliant. This book receives my highest recommendation.

inspiring, moving, 19 Dec 1998
A great book! A great writer!

Good Stuff Doesn't Age, It Matures, 21 Sep 2008
Although advancing in its fifties, Giovanni's Room is a novel which does not get older, it only gets better. It still strikes the reader with the courage and opennes with which James Baldwin tackles his largely unspeakable (at the time of its writing) subject matter. The pains and tortures of search for sexual identity are rendered with real mastery and even if the ending may seem a bow to the demands of an age long gone, it only adds to the psychological truth of the novel. An absolute classic!

First Love, 15 Jul 2008
I found this such an interesting book to read. About a young man, David, who while in Paris, away from his fiance, has a relationship with an italian barman named Giovanni, which ends in tragedy. I'd call it tragedy, but its not an "oh my god, im sleeping with my mother" tragedy, the characters are tragic, in their hopelessness, their inability to recognise whats right for themselves, let alone anybody else.

Brilliant, and painful, 25 May 2007
This is an excellent novel, I could not put it down, in spite of the fact that, knowing that it would all go terribly bad, I was always scared of what could happen. It is a sad story, and yet so true, in the way it portrays a city, a historical period, and the realisation (and denial) of one's homosexuality. Yes, the main character is a coward, and yet Baldwin does not push the reader into hating him. We don't like him, we would not behave like him, still we can understand.

Beautiful, emotional and tragic. Worthy of 'classic', 20 Feb 2006
The book set in Paris, and is about an American who due to marry his fiancé upon her return from travelling Spain, but the problem is he is a man who has repressed his homosexual desires the majority of his life. That is, until he meets the irresistible Giovanni, an Italian barman who left his homeland and wife because of a family tragedy. From the start of the book, you are alerted to the Giovanni’s impending doom. That’s not normally something I like in book, I want there to be surprise and shock, but it works well here. As you learn more about Giovanni, and the relationship with the two men, you don’t want the tragedy to occur, there is a constant sense of dread as you yourself fall in love with and empathise with Giovanni’s character. I won’t write more for fear of giving too much away, but suffice to say, the book is beautifully written, very moving, and I was unable to put it down.

flawless, 29 Aug 2004
What can one say about such a book? It's absorbing, lyrical, interesting, entertaining, intelligent, beautiful, and revealing which confirms it's standing as a work of art.

Excellent, 12 Oct 2008
A multi-layered exploration about the struggle to relate, both heterosexually and homosexually, and to find one's true sexuality. Set mainly in New York amongst Harlam jazz musicians and struggling novelists, but also partly in France. It's a testament to the struggle to love honestly and to being true to oneself in the context of relationships which grow. It faces up to deceipt and the difficult emotional choices which we face.
This is an excellent book. Sometimes Baldwin can seems stilted, but this flows and lives. We really feel we've got alongside the characters and their struggles - the strength of expression and passion is definitely there.


Time for a New York Revival!, 27 Dec 2003
This is C20th American Literature at its best. OK, I know it was written in the "jazzy" 60s and the dialogue is dated but the issues are alive and the writing is great. Baldwin deserves a revival. Discover him by reading this novel. The end of Chapter 1 will break your heart and that's just the start! I defy you to read this and not be moved,elated,rejuvenated,disturbed and transported to a New York of times gone yet still there, maybe unfortunately-you decide. A human drama an a massive scale.

Fascinating account of contemporary inner conflicts., 13 Nov 2000
Baldwin's poetic narrative style is a joy to read. The theme of isolation and the development of the self in a troubled environment, is at times deeply moving and at others intrinsically uplifting. The reality of significant moments and experiences are shared through Baldwin's use of simple yet effective imagery. He tackles the inner conflicts and the journeys of life that everyone can relate to despite sex, age or colour.

Skip it, definitely not his best, 26 May 1999
I am usually quite an avid Baldwin fan but I was a bit surprised by why this book got rave reviews. It is certainly not vintage Baldwin: it does not have the quick, emotional power of his short stories, the fire of his non fiction, or the stinging dialogue of his plays. The story and plot are fine, but the dialogue is tedious and over-done and at points, hard to believe. Stylistically, I've read better Baldwin, much better - and for me, that has always been one of the most attractive features of his writing. The ease with which he places personality on character in his other works (e.g. Sonny's Blues) is notably absent in this one. Though it does address some very relevant issues of our times, I don't know if it should be included in American standard fare as many critics contend.

Compelling look at racism &the struggle for self knowledge, 20 Apr 1999
An epic of a novel, Another Country really is two novels in one: the first is the story of Rufus Scott, a black man living in the segregated world of NYC in the 50's, struggling to find a way out of the mire of alienation and self-hatred, while the second is a portrait of the people who are left behind after Rufus exits the stage. The first part is gripping and beautifully realized, while the second is a much more pedestrian look at a collection of confused, tormented folks scanning the streets of Manhattan as well as each other's beds in search of meaning. Baldwin is an amazingly original and insightful writer, yet the novel feels anticlimactic after the first section narrated by Rufus, and the conclusion seems too pat. Still, for its discussion of issues of race, class, homosexuality, adultery, and the struggle for self-knowledge, Another Country, published in 1962, was far ahead of its time.

magnificent, 06 Jul 1999
A beautiful, powerful and passionate book that deserves a place in the library, to be returned to time and again. Baldwin is a polemicist of rare quality, inspiring with the quality of his argument and prose. The Library of America has packaged this work, like its others, in a fine quality, sturdy edition (notice how many times I mentioned quality?).

Good, 24 Feb 2008
Despite everyone telling me what a powerful book this was and what a life changing impact it had on them and their views I found this not to be the case. Perhaps I just lack the context of growing up the civil rights era though. That's not to say this is by any means a bad book. It's an interesting read detailing the lives of various members of one family, the mistakes they make and their turning away and return to the Lord. The complex father son relationship is especially well written about and contains perhaps the most autobiographical part of the novel. It shows their fallings and explains their harshness, the characters are engaging and it paints a vivid picture of the black community in America during the early to middle twentieth century particularly with their relationship to the church.

Modern classic, 24 Feb 2003
James Baldwins first novel, in which he deals with issues he had with his father, religion and his sexuality, though it is definitely not a autobiographical account of his life.

It concerns a young black boyin harlem called Johnny Grimes, destined to become a preahcer like his father, but he has doubts, and struggles with a hatred for his father, and an attraction towards an older boy in the congregation. However, the narrative jumps from him through the novel, and we learn about the past of his father, his mother and his auntie.

This is a wondefully emotive and affecting book, with an underlying sense of sadness running throughout, written in a beautifully lyrical style.

Baldwin's first and best novel, 02 May 2001
Much of this novel is based on real life experiences of Baldwin and his family. The story focuses on the conflict between a young boy, John Grimes, and his father who is a preacher. The book is divided into three sections, the middle one being the most interesting. This section is told in a series of flashbacks telling the life stories of John's father, mother, and aunt. Unlike Baldwin's other novels, this work is not filled with a lot of political rhetoric. The story is simple and very enjoyable. Additionally, this novel describes African American church life reallly well.

A walk on the dark side, 08 Apr 1997
It's obviously a classic, but the book sometimes gets a bit teadious. The book gives a good view on subjects like racism, religion and the black community in America. If you're interested in that kind of subjects and if you're determined enough to get through the book; this is the book for you. Rolf Donders Twikkelstraat 37 4834 LL Breda- The Netherlands

Good Stuff Doesn't Age, It Matures, 21 Sep 2008
Although advancing in its fifties, Giovanni's Room is a novel which does not get older, it only gets better. It still strikes the reader with the courage and opennes with which James Baldwin tackles his largely unspeakable (at the time of its writing) subject matter. The pains and tortures of search for sexual identity are rendered with real mastery and even if the ending may seem a bow to the demands of an age long gone, it only adds to the psychological truth of the novel. An absolute classic!

First Love, 15 Jul 2008
I found this such an interesting book to read. About a young man, David, who while in Paris, away from his fiance, has a relationship with an italian barman named Giovanni, which ends in tragedy. I'd call it tragedy, but its not an "oh my god, im sleeping with my mother" tragedy, the characters are tragic, in their hopelessness, their inability to recognise whats right for themselves, let alone anybody else.

Brilliant, and painful, 25 May 2007
This is an excellent novel, I could not put it down, in spite of the fact that, knowing that it would all go terribly bad, I was always scared of what could happen. It is a sad story, and yet so true, in the way it portrays a city, a historical period, and the realisation (and denial) of one's homosexuality. Yes, the main character is a coward, and yet Baldwin does not push the reader into hating him. We don't like him, we would not behave like him, still we can understand.

Beautiful, emotional and tragic. Worthy of 'classic', 20 Feb 2006
The book set in Paris, and is about an American who due to marry his fiancé upon her return from travelling Spain, but the problem is he is a man who has repressed his homosexual desires the majority of his life. That is, until he meets the irresistible Giovanni, an Italian barman who left his homeland and wife because of a family tragedy. From the start of the book, you are alerted to the Giovanni’s impending doom. That’s not normally something I like in book, I want there to be surprise and shock, but it works well here. As you learn more about Giovanni, and the relationship with the two men, you don’t want the tragedy to occur, there is a constant sense of dread as you yourself fall in love with and empathise with Giovanni’s character. I won’t write more for fear of giving too much away, but suffice to say, the book is beautifully written, very moving, and I was unable to put it down.

flawless, 29 Aug 2004
What can one say about such a book? It's absorbing, lyrical, interesting, entertaining, intelligent, beautiful, and revealing which confirms it's standing as a work of art.

Baldwin's finest work, 02 May 2001
This essay collection is divided into two parts: "My Dungeon Shook" and "Down at the Cross". "Dungeon" is the shorter of the two pieces and is addressed to Baldwin's nephew. Baldwin tells his nephew how to survive living in a racist society (USA of 1960's). The second essay in the collection deals with the Black Islam Movement. Baldwin attacks the ideas of this movement and calls for an end to prejudice. The language, imagery, and ideas Baldwin uses in these two essays is absolutely brilliant. This book receives my highest recommendation.

inspiring, moving, 19 Dec 1998
A great book! A great writer!

Good Stuff Doesn't Age, It Matures, 21 Sep 2008
Although advancing in its fifties, Giovanni's Room is a novel which does not get older, it only gets better. It still strikes the reader with the courage and opennes with which James Baldwin tackles his largely unspeakable (at the time of its writing) subject matter. The pains and tortures of search for sexual identity are rendered with real mastery and even if the ending may seem a bow to the demands of an age long gone, it only adds to the psychological truth of the novel. An absolute classic!

First Love, 15 Jul 2008
I found this such an interesting book to read. About a young man, David, who while in Paris, away from his fiance, has a relationship with an italian barman named Giovanni, which ends in tragedy. I'd call it tragedy, but its not an "oh my god, im sleeping with my mother" tragedy, the characters are tragic, in their hopelessness, their inability to recognise whats right for themselves, let alone anybody else.

Brilliant, and painful, 25 May 2007
This is an excellent novel, I could not put it down, in spite of the fact that, knowing that it would all go terribly bad, I was always scared of what could happen. It is a sad story, and yet so true, in the way it portrays a city, a historical period, and the realisation (and denial) of one's homosexuality. Yes, the main character is a coward, and yet Baldwin does not push the reader into hating him. We don't like him, we would not behave like him, still we can understand.

Beautiful, emotional and tragic. Worthy of 'classic', 20 Feb 2006
The book set in Paris, and is about an American who due to marry his fiancé upon her return from travelling Spain, but the problem is he is a man who has repressed his homosexual desires the majority of his life. That is, until he meets the irresistible Giovanni, an Italian barman who left his homeland and wife because of a family tragedy. From the start of the book, you are alerted to the Giovanni’s impending doom. That’s not normally something I like in book, I want there to be surprise and shock, but it works well here. As you learn more about Giovanni, and the relationship with the two men, you don’t want the tragedy to occur, there is a constant sense of dread as you yourself fall in love with and empathise with Giovanni’s character. I won’t write more for fear of giving too much away, but suffice to say, the book is beautifully written, very moving, and I was unable to put it down.

flawless, 29 Aug 2004
What can one say about such a book? It's absorbing, lyrical, interesting, entertaining, intelligent, beautiful, and revealing which confirms it's standing as a work of art.

Excellent, 12 Oct 2008
A multi-layered exploration about the struggle to relate, both heterosexually and homosexually, and to find one's true sexuality. Set mainly in New York amongst Harlam jazz musicians and struggling novelists, but also partly in France. It's a testament to the struggle to love honestly and to being true to oneself in the context of relationships which grow. It faces up to deceipt and the difficult emotional choices which we face.
This is an excellent book. Sometimes Baldwin can seems stilted, but this flows and lives. We really feel we've got alongside the characters and their struggles - the strength of expression and passion is definitely there.


Time for a New York Revival!, 27 Dec 2003
This is C20th American Literature at its best. OK, I know it was written in the "jazzy" 60s and the dialogue is dated but the issues are alive and the writing is great. Baldwin deserves a revival. Discover him by reading this novel. The end of Chapter 1 will break your heart and that's just the start! I defy you to read this and not be moved,elated,rejuvenated,disturbed and transported to a New York of times gone yet still there, maybe unfortunately-you decide. A human drama an a massive scale.

Fascinating account of contemporary inner conflicts., 13 Nov 2000
Baldwin's poetic narrative style is a joy to read. The theme of isolation and the development of the self in a troubled environment, is at times deeply moving and at others intrinsically uplifting. The reality of significant moments and experiences are shared through Baldwin's use of simple yet effective imagery. He tackles the inner conflicts and the journeys of life that everyone can relate to despite sex, age or colour.

Skip it, definitely not his best, 26 May 1999
I am usually quite an avid Baldwin fan but I was a bit surprised by why this book got rave reviews. It is certainly not vintage Baldwin: it does not have the quick, emotional power of his short stories, the fire of his non fiction, or the stinging dialogue of his plays. The story and plot are fine, but the dialogue is tedious and over-done and at points, hard to believe. Stylistically, I've read better Baldwin, much better - and for me, that has always been one of the most attractive features of his writing. The ease with which he places personality on character in his other works (e.g. Sonny's Blues) is notably absent in this one. Though it does address some very relevant issues of our times, I don't know if it should be included in American standard fare as many critics contend.

Compelling look at racism &the struggle for self knowledge, 20 Apr 1999
An epic of a novel, Another Country really is two novels in one: the first is the story of Rufus Scott, a black man living in the segregated world of NYC in the 50's, struggling to find a way out of the mire of alienation and self-hatred, while the second is a portrait of the people who are left behind after Rufus exits the stage. The first part is gripping and beautifully realized, while the second is a much more pedestrian look at a collection of confused, tormented folks scanning the streets of Manhattan as well as each other's beds in search of meaning. Baldwin is an amazingly original and insightful writer, yet the novel feels anticlimactic after the first section narrated by Rufus, and the conclusion seems too pat. Still, for its discussion of issues of race, class, homosexuality, adultery, and the struggle for self-knowledge, Another Country, published in 1962, was far ahead of its time.

magnificent, 06 Jul 1999
A beautiful, powerful and passionate book that deserves a place in the library, to be returned to time and again. Baldwin is a polemicist of rare quality, inspiring with the quality of his argument and prose. The Library of America has packaged this work, like its others, in a fine quality, sturdy edition (notice how many times I mentioned quality?).

Startling!, 16 May 2006
This is a beautiful story of love, love from the deepest part of a person, love that connects and allows for understanding of the frailty of the human condition. It is a story of strength, of failings and it must be read; it's honesty, depth and simplicity reveals a beauty, fear, longing, prejudice, sensuality and hope that is within us all.

Good, 24 Feb 2008
Despite everyone telling me what a powerful book this was and what a life changing impact it had on them and their views I found this not to be the case. Perhaps I just lack the context of growing up the civil rights era though. That's not to say this is by any means a bad book. It's an interesting read detailing the lives of various members of one family, the mistakes they make and their turning away and return to the Lord. The complex father son relationship is especially well written about and contains perhaps the most autobiographical part of the novel. It shows their fallings and explains their harshness, the characters are engaging and it paints a vivid picture of the black community in America during the early to middle twentieth century particularly with their relationship to the church.

Modern classic, 24 Feb 2003
James Baldwins first novel, in which he deals with issues he had with his father, religion and his sexuality, though it is definitely not a autobiographical account of his life.

It concerns a young black boyin harlem called Johnny Grimes, destined to become a preahcer like his father, but he has doubts, and struggles with a hatred for his father, and an attraction towards an older boy in the congregation. However, the narrative jumps from him through the novel, and we learn about the past of his father, his mother and his auntie.

This is a wondefully emotive and affecting book, with an underlying sense of sadness running throughout, written in a beautifully lyrical style.

Baldwin's first and best novel, 02 May 2001
Much of this novel is based on real life experiences of Baldwin and his family. The story focuses on the conflict between a young boy, John Grimes, and his father who is a preacher. The book is divided into three sections, the middle one being the most interesting. This section is told in a series of flashbacks telling the life stories of John's father, mother, and aunt. Unlike Baldwin's other novels, this work is not filled with a lot of political rhetoric. The story is simple and very enjoyable. Additionally, this novel describes African American church life reallly well.

A walk on the dark side, 08 Apr 1997
It's obviously a classic, but the book sometimes gets a bit teadious. The book gives a good view on subjects like racism, religion and the black community in America. If you're interested in that kind of subjects and if you're determined enough to get through the book; this is the book for you. Rolf Donders Twikkelstraat 37 4834 LL Breda- The Netherlands

Good Stuff Doesn't Age, It Matures, 21 Sep 2008
Although advancing in its fifties, Giovanni's Room is a novel which does not get older, it only gets better. It still strikes the reader with the courage and opennes with which James Baldwin tackles his largely unspeakable (at the time of its writing) subject matter. The pains and tortures of search for sexual identity are rendered with real mastery and even if the ending may seem a bow to the demands of an age long gone, it only adds to the psychological truth of the novel. An absolute classic!

First Love, 15 Jul 2008
I found this such an interesting book to read. About a young man, David, who while in Paris, away from his fiance, has a relationship with an italian barman named Giovanni, which ends in tragedy. I'd call it tragedy, but its not an "oh my god, im sleeping with my mother" tragedy, the characters are tragic, in their hopelessness, their inability to recognise whats right for themselves, let alone anybody else.

Brilliant, and painful, 25 May 2007
This is an excellent novel, I could not put it down, in spite of the fact that, knowing that it would all go terribly bad, I was always scared of what could happen. It is a sad story, and yet so true, in the way it portrays a city, a historical period, and the realisation (and denial) of one's homosexuality. Yes, the main character is a coward, and yet Baldwin does not push the reader into hating him. We don't like him, we would not behave like him, still we can understand.

Beautiful, emotional and tragic. Worthy of 'classic', 20 Feb 2006
The book set in Paris, and is about an American who due to marry his fiancé upon her return from travelling Spain, but the problem is he is a man who has repressed his homosexual desires the majority of his life. That is, until he meets the irresistible Giovanni, an Italian barman who left his homeland and wife because of a family tragedy. From the start of the book, you are alerted to the Giovanni’s impending doom. That’s not normally something I like in book, I want there to be surprise and shock, but it works well here. As you learn more about Giovanni, and the relationship with the two men, you don’t want the tragedy to occur, there is a constant sense of dread as you yourself fall in love with and empathise with Giovanni’s character. I won’t write more for fear of giving too much away, but suffice to say, the book is beautifully written, very moving, and I was unable to put it down.

flawless, 29 Aug 2004
What can one say about such a book? It's absorbing, lyrical, interesting, entertaining, intelligent, beautiful, and revealing which confirms it's standing as a work of art.

Baldwin's finest work, 02 May 2001
This essay collection is divided into two parts: "My Dungeon Shook" and "Down at the Cross". "Dungeon" is the shorter of the two pieces and is addressed to Baldwin's nephew. Baldwin tells his nephew how to survive living in a racist society (USA of 1960's). The second essay in the collection deals with the Black Islam Movement. Baldwin attacks the ideas of this movement and calls for an end to prejudice. The language, imagery, and ideas Baldwin uses in these two essays is absolutely brilliant. This book receives my highest recommendation.

inspiring, moving, 19 Dec 1998
A great book! A great writer!

Good Stuff Doesn't Age, It Matures, 21 Sep 2008
Although advancing in its fifties, Giovanni's Room is a novel which does not get older, it only gets better. It still strikes the reader with the courage and opennes with which James Baldwin tackles his largely unspeakable (at the time of its writing) subject matter. The pains and tortures of search for sexual identity are rendered with real mastery and even if the ending may seem a bow to the demands of an age long gone, it only adds to the psychological truth of the novel. An absolute classic!

First Love, 15 Jul 2008
I found this such an interesting book to read. About a young man, David, who while in Paris, away from his fiance, has a relationship with an italian barman named Giovanni, which ends in tragedy. I'd call it tragedy, but its not an "oh my god, im sleeping with my mother" tragedy, the characters are tragic, in their hopelessness, their inability to recognise whats right for themselves, let alone anybody else.

Brilliant, and painful, 25 May 2007
This is an excellent novel, I could not put it down, in spite of the fact that, knowing that it would all go terribly bad, I was always scared of what could happen. It is a sad story, and yet so true, in the way it portrays a city, a historical period, and the realisation (and denial) of one's homosexuality. Yes, the main character is a coward, and yet Baldwin does not push the reader into hating him. We don't like him, we would not behave like him, still we can understand.

Beautiful, emotional and tragic. Worthy of 'classic', 20 Feb 2006
The book set in Paris, and is about an American who due to marry his fiancé upon her return from travelling Spain, but the problem is he is a man who has repressed his homosexual desires the majority of his life. That is, until he meets the irresistible Giovanni, an Italian barman who left his homeland and wife because of a family tragedy. From the start of the book, you are alerted to the Giovanni’s impending doom. That’s not normally something I like in book, I want there to be surprise and shock, but it works well here. As you learn more about Giovanni, and the relationship with the two men, you don’t want the tragedy to occur, there is a constant sense of dread as you yourself fall in love with and empathise with Giovanni’s character. I won’t write more for fear of giving too much away, but suffice to say, the book is beautifully written, very moving, and I was unable to put it down.

flawless, 29 Aug 2004
What can one say about such a book? It's absorbing, lyrical, interesting, entertaining, intelligent, beautiful, and revealing which confirms it's standing as a work of art.

Excellent, 12 Oct 2008
A multi-layered exploration about the struggle to relate, both heterosexually and homosexually, and to find one's true sexuality. Set mainly in New York amongst Harlam jazz musicians and struggling novelists, but also partly in France. It's a testament to the struggle to love honestly and to being true to oneself in the context of relationships which grow. It faces up to deceipt and the difficult emotional choices which we face.
This is an excellent book. Sometimes Baldwin can seems stilted, but this flows and lives. We really feel we've got alongside the characters and their struggles - the strength of expression and passion is definitely there.


Time for a New York Revival!, 27 Dec 2003
This is C20th American Literature at its best. OK, I know it was written in the "jazzy" 60s and the dialogue is dated but the issues are alive and the writing is great. Baldwin deserves a revival. Discover him by reading this novel. The end of Chapter 1 will break your heart and that's just the start! I defy you to read this and not be moved,elated,rejuvenated,disturbed and transported to a New York of times gone yet still there, maybe unfortunately-you decide. A human drama an a massive scale.

Fascinating account of contemporary inner conflicts., 13 Nov 2000
Baldwin's poetic narrative style is a joy to read. The theme of isolation and the development of the self in a troubled environment, is at times deeply moving and at others intrinsically uplifting. The reality of significant moments and experiences are shared through Baldwin's use of simple yet effective imagery. He tackles the inner conflicts and the journeys of life that everyone can relate to despite sex, age or colour.

Skip it, definitely not his best, 26 May 1999
I am usually quite an avid Baldwin fan but I was a bit surprised by why this book got rave reviews. It is certainly not vintage Baldwin: it does not have the quick, emotional power of his short stories, the fire of his non fiction, or the stinging dialogue of his plays. The story and plot are fine, but the dialogue is tedious and over-done and at points, hard to believe. Stylistically, I've read better Baldwin, much better - and for me, that has always been one of the most attractive features of his writing. The ease with which he places personality on character in his other works (e.g. Sonny's Blues) is notably absent in this one. Though it does address some very relevant issues of our times, I don't know if it should be included in American standard fare as many critics contend.

Compelling look at racism &the struggle for self knowledge, 20 Apr 1999
An epic of a novel, Another Country really is two novels in one: the first is the story of Rufus Scott, a black man living in the segregated world of NYC in the 50's, struggling to find a way out of the mire of alienation and self-hatred, while the second is a portrait of the people who are left behind after Rufus exits the stage. The first part is gripping and beautifully realized, while the second is a much more pedestrian look at a collection of confused, tormented folks scanning the streets of Manhattan as well as each other's beds in search of meaning. Baldwin is an amazingly original and insightful writer, yet the novel feels anticlimactic after the first section narrated by Rufus, and the conclusion seems too pat. Still, for its discussion of issues of race, class, homosexuality, adultery, and the struggle for self-knowledge, Another Country, published in 1962, was far ahead of its time.

magnificent, 06 Jul 1999
A beautiful, powerful and passionate book that deserves a place in the library, to be returned to time and again. Baldwin is a polemicist of rare quality, inspiring with the quality of his argument and prose. The Library of America has packaged this work, like its others, in a fine quality, sturdy edition (notice how many times I mentioned quality?).

Startling!, 16 May 2006
This is a beautiful story of love, love from the deepest part of a person, love that connects and allows for understanding of the frailty of the human condition. It is a story of strength, of failings and it must be read; it's honesty, depth and simplicity reveals a beauty, fear, longing, prejudice, sensuality and hope that is within us all.

Baldwin's Best, 02 Aug 2002
You only need to read the first couple of pages in this book to understand it's importance. "Just Above My Head" combines nearly every theme covered by James Baldwin in previous novels; homosexuality, race, class, religion and betrayal - and confirms him as one of the most important writers to have come out of America.
It opens with a man mourning the death of his brother. Each sentence is filled with grief. It's clear that this isn't going to be an easy read but also clear is that Baldwin has put his heart and soul into every word.
This is simply one of the best books I've ever read. It's THE James Baldwin novel and a deserved candidate for the "Great American Novel." Stunning.

Good, 24 Feb 2008
Despite everyone telling me what a powerful book this was and what a life changing impact it had on them and their views I found this not to be the case. Perhaps I just lack the context of growing up the civil rights era though. That's not to say this is by any means a bad book. It's an interesting read detailing the lives of various members of one family, the mistakes they make and their turning away and return to the Lord. The complex father son relationship is especially well written about and contains perhaps the most autobiographical part of the novel. It shows their fallings and explains their harshness, the characters are engaging and it paints a vivid picture of the black community in America during the early to middle twentieth century particularly with their relationship to the church.

Modern classic, 24 Feb 2003
James Baldwins first novel, in which he deals with issues he had with his father, religion and his sexuality, though it is definitely not a autobiographical account of his life.

It concerns a young black boyin harlem called Johnny Grimes, destined to become a preahcer like his father, but he has doubts, and struggles with a hatred for his father, and an attraction towards an older boy in the congregation. However, the narrative jumps from him through the novel, and we learn about the past of his father, his mother and his auntie.

This is a wondefully emotive and affecting book, with an underlying sense of sadness running throughout, written in a beautifully lyrical style.

Baldwin's first and best novel, 02 May 2001
Much of this novel is based on real life experiences of Baldwin and his family. The story focuses on the conflict between a young boy, John Grimes, and his father who is a preacher. The book is divided into three sections, the middle one being the most interesting. This section is told in a series of flashbacks telling the life stories of John's father, mother, and aunt. Unlike Baldwin's other novels, this work is not filled with a lot of political rhetoric. The story is simple and very enjoyable. Additionally, this novel describes African American church life reallly well.

A walk on the dark side, 08 Apr 1997
It's obviously a classic, but the book sometimes gets a bit teadious. The book gives a good view on subjects like racism, religion and the black community in America. If you're interested in that kind of subjects and if you're determined enough to get through the book; this is the book for you. Rolf Donders Twikkelstraat 37 4834 LL Breda- The Netherlands

Good Stuff Doesn't Age, It Matures, 21 Sep 2008
Although advancing in its fifties, Giovanni's Room is a novel which does not get older, it only gets better. It still strikes the reader with the courage and opennes with which James Baldwin tackles his largely unspeakable (at the time of its writing) subject matter. The pains and tortures of search for sexual identity are rendered with real mastery and even if the ending may seem a bow to the demands of an age long gone, it only adds to the psychological truth of the novel. An absolute classic!

First Love, 15 Jul 2008
I found this such an interesting book to read. About a young man, David, who while in Paris, away from his fiance, has a relationship with an italian barman named Giovanni, which ends in tragedy. I'd call it tragedy, but its not an "oh my god, im sleeping with my mother" tragedy, the characters are tragic, in their hopelessness, their inability to recognise whats right for themselves, let alone anybody else.

Brilliant, and painful, 25 May 2007
This is an excellent novel, I could not put it down, in spite of the fact that, knowing that it would all go terribly bad, I was always scared of what could happen. It is a sad story, and yet so true, in the way it portrays a city, a historical period, and the realisation (and denial) of one's homosexuality. Yes, the main character is a coward, and yet Baldwin does not push the reader into hating him. We don't like him, we would not behave like him, still we can understand.

Beautiful, emotional and tragic. Worthy of 'classic', 20 Feb 2006
The book set in Paris, and is about an American who due to marry his fiancé upon her return from travelling Spain, but the problem is he is a man who has repressed his homosexual desires the majority of his life. That is, until he meets the irresistible Giovanni, an Italian barman who left his homeland and wife because of a family tragedy. From the start of the book, you are alerted to the Giovanni’s impending doom. That’s not normally something I like in book, I want there to be surp