Christine's Reviews > Giovanni’s Room

Boy, am I conflicted about this one.

First of all, no doubt about it, James Baldwin was a brilliant writer. His prose was stellar. Furthermore, in heart-wrenching fashion he nailed the hell and pure angst facing any of us who found ourselves gay in the 1950s (or 1960s or 1970s or even later for some). This subject was agonizingly portrayed in a masterful way.

My problem with the story is two-fold. First is the fact that it took nearly half the book before I could engage. Secondly, I did not really connect with any of the characters. Maybe a little bit with Giovanni, but not with any of the others, not even the protagonist, David. Geez, with this subject matter, the tears should have been flowing, but I was nowhere moved enough for even a single tear. In fact, I was actually multitasking during the last chapter—watching an online concert at the same time. Kind of makes me feel like a bad person.

I generally rate a book according to how it makes me feel rather than how brilliant it is. For that reason, I cannot give more than 3 stars. Sorry, Mr. Baldwin (speaking to you up in heaven). I will try again with another of yours soon.