Reviews

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

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chikithareddy's review

reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.25

Oh, boy. This was a slider for me. I was all in, practically engrossed for maybe two thirds of the book--really not sure how things were going to turn out or whose side I was on (Roy's? Celestial's?) and THEN Roy comes home and everything screeched to a halt and I could hear metal upon metal. I hate to say it, but it was soooo disappointing. Celestial was just meh to me all the way through but I actively DISLIKED Roy by the end. And there is one pivotal scene that made me want to throw things--actually two scenes. And they both involve Roy.

roglows's review

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4.0

Beautiful book, powerful portrayals of race, marriage and life. Not an easy read.

nberklas's review

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emotional sad

4.25

So sad. The charters were very complicated. It made it a bit hard to listen to because the story was hard and I did not love the characters, but that is how life is which was the point.

shante9700's review

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4.0

Great book!
Felt that at times, plot felt rushed. Book could have went deeper

megchriistine's review

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5.0

I went back and forth between the audiobook and the physical book for this one because the narration of the audiobook was so damn good. However, I’m a bit conflicted as I end it. The entire time, I couldn’t decide who I was more hurt for. Each character in this book is wrong in their own way, and each suffered in their own way as well. Roy and Celestial’s marriage seemed doomed from the start, even before his incarceration because it felt like Roy would manipulate and try to hurt her just to see if she cared enough to fight for their relationship.
Seeing everyone’s lives change shape and direction while Roy was suffering behind bars is a painful reality for most at the hand of a corrupt justice system. The letters between Roy and Celestial were filled with so much emotion, good and bad. Ending this book with another letter between the two was beautiful, and brought it all full circle in a way. This book genuinely was amazing.

earthtokate's review

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emotional reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

readingwithmuggy's review against another edition

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3.0

Idk how I feel about this one. It literally took me almost 2 weeks to get through it. Something about the pacing was off for me. Initially it had me gripped, but the rest of the book lagged overall. I think had I read it quicker I may have liked it more.

this book has:
-multiple POVs
-unlikeable main characters
-infidelity
-a story that goes from marriage > false incarceration > release from prison
- commentary on POC & the American justice system.
-grief