Hello bookworms, for the past few months, I’ve had a sudden change in my luck with the books I was reading. Thank you to my fairy godmother. I must’ve been blessed, but I went from feeling mediocre about the novels I had read to discovering new favourites almost every read. Giovanni’s room was one I finished in late August, and it took me a few weeks to read. It was a buddy read, something I’m surprisingly not too familiar with, as I’ve always felt like I’m such a random and erratic reader; my reading speeds and genres change so drastically that I can barely keep up, thus making me feel bad if I drag my friends along. However, this was different! And thankfully, my lovely friend Ahrya suggested this book, and I, of course, went into it..knowing absolutely nothing. After I read, adored, and researched the title, I was even more astonished that I hadn’t at that point.

Genre: Classics, Fiction, LGBT, Romance

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Publisher: January 1, 1956 by Laurel

Length: 224 pages, Paperback.

summary:

Set in the contemporary Paris of American  expatraites, liasons, and violence, a young man finds  himself caught between desire and conventional  morality. James Baldwin’s brilliant narrative delves  into the mystery of loving with a sharp, probing  imagination, and he creates a moving, highly  controversial story of death and passion that reveals the  unspoken complexities of the heart (via Goodreads).

my thoughts:

This book essentially follows one character. Although throughout the story, as other characters come into focus, it may seem like the plot is adjusted equally among others, one consistency remains at the forefront. Reading this book, I had to continue reminding myself that I was not bad and was NOT like the main character. Truthfully, this book is so well written and frames his actions so that we can all sympathize and relate at points. However, when you look at the whole picture and the foundational parts of his character, his flaws, not just personal, but the way he consciously makes decisions without regard for others, I know we are nothing alike.

As a young woman, I can immensely relate to these thoughts and confusions surrounding life, love, relationships, and the struggle to make decisions. Have we done the right thing? Is there ONE right thing? I constantly entertain these thoughts, but as the story begins with the character’s age already far above mine, it’s safe to say he is pretty immature.

It’s an incredible read, as it puts into play how one can honestly be surrounded by genuine love by those who would do almost anything to support him but also feel so alienated. so trapped within your mind, that the events happening are practically distorted. Without conveying his true feelings, his fears and denials assemble and snowball until he can only find one escape.

“If you cannot love me, I will die. Before you came I wanted to die, I have told you many times. It is cruel to have made me want to live only to make my death more bloody.”

James Baldwin, Giovanni’s Room

The writing made me empathize with the main character to an extent I wasn’t aware could be possible. The characters were so real, written in such a manner that perfectly showcased their shortcomings and strong suits. I believe David becomes more likable or tolerable as the book goes by. Initially, it’s pretty challenging to empathize with him, even read along in any manner. Sadly, some would rather remain a coward than face their feelings. Face their true self. The reality. It ends up hurting everyone else, even those they claim to love. But if you won’t change for yourself, it’s only a matter of time before more hurt is caused. David’s path follows this almost strictly. Although it’s not a predictable read, one wonders if he will change his ways, not even in terms of the relationship, but for himself.

“I loved her as much as ever and I still did not know how much that was.”

James Baldwin, Giovanni’s Room

Although elegant and formal, the writing style is simplistic early on. At first, I wasn’t sure if it would continue throughout the novel, but as it seemed to change and get more descriptive, lively and conversational, when it did revert to the original style, it was noticeable near the end of the book.

It essentially seemed to mirror the main character’s mindset. David’s ability to share and be open framed his growth in a way that made me feel he was nearing a breaking point. One in which he would overcome his ego and confront the realities of his past actions. Yet, just as he grew to this position, he crept back into his shell as soon as he became more aware of these emotions. He was instantly closed off like it had never happened.

Ultimately, this book is a short read, but it did not feel short at all. Chapters were diverged into two parts, one more recent than the other. The work, in conjunction, gives the reader information at the perfect times, only allowing specific details to surface. The novel is powerful throughout, but only by the last line can one witness how flawless it is.

“People who believe that they are strong-willed and the masters of their destiny can only continue to believe this by becoming specialists in self-deception.”

James Baldwin, Giovanni’s Room

In an interview about the novel, Baldwin conveys the book is “not so much about homosexuality; it is what happens if you are so afraid that you finally cannot love anybody.” Which, to me, is such an incredible statement. It’s so direct and harsh. Such a surprise, but also…how could it be, after having read the book, case in point. This quote is just the harsh reality. It may seem somewhat of an exaggeration, but there is much validity to this sadness and despair.

To delve into one of the side characters I immensely enjoyed, let’s discuss Hella. I loved her initially; her crooked views and a bit of a distorted character would emerge. But the way she left, the way she left ME, although it was the best and only ending for the character, left me upset. Another reason why I found her to be intriguing was being the only female character; it naturally captivated the reader more than some of the male side characters. She held an extraordinary power in David and Giovanni’s life together and separately. And a lot of this power, I was unsure if she was aware of. During that time, women were so powerless that it was interesting how she practically ruled simply since she was a woman. Her very existence threatened them as homosexuals. I also adored how she seemed so much more intelligent than she would let on. Even when she chose to be the dutiful wife, they were all carefully calculated mannerisms and decisions. She stayed willfully ignorant of David’s relationship, which most likely hurt her significantly, but understood that it must be done to remain in this fragile societally accepted performance.

This book has some great lessons, as cliche as that sentence might sound. I don’t want to be afraid of what I could accomplish due to fear. It’s so paralyzing. Although my fear may differ from David’s, it’s all the same, isn’t it? Being afraid can steal your life away. It’s all a matter of if you’re willing to face it.

And I must add, after researching the book and author following my obsession with everything to do with Giovanni’s room, I think the moment I realized there was an immense backlog to discover was the happiest I’d felt all month.

“No. It would help if I were able to feel guilty.But the end of innocence is also the end of guilt ”.

James Baldwin, Giovanni’s Room

Readers can focus on a different aspect of this novel if they please. The love story at the heart of this novel is the portrayal of American identity through the lens of a bisexual man. Or maybe the meaning of home, of self, of love. It’s quite the tragedy, but one finds that by the end, there is no empathy left for David. As upsetting as his actions are, as hurtful, and devastating, he practically ruins the lives of everyone he consciously lies to, including himself. It’s tough to empathize with a grown adult who acts immature and whose actions could be deemed evil– if you ask the right person. I blame nobody other than himself, and I believe that’s to be true. Yes, our environment and upbringing predominantly affect who we are and how we operate. But what’s the point if we are so helpless to the types of humans we become? What’s the point in rehabilitation, in growth, in self-awareness? Anyone can change, but only those who are willing to will. And David was never willing.

about the author

James Baldwin (1924–1987) was a writer and civil rights activist who is best known for his semi-autobiographical novels and plays that center on race, politics, and sexuality. James Baldwin was born in Harlem, New York, in 1924 (via nmaahc).

Thanks for reading!