Reviews

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

drlark's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

3.75

Late to the party on this one, but An American Marriage is a compelling read about the impact of a faulty, racist criminal justice system on a newly married couple and their families. I enjoyed the series of letters to and from our lovers while Roy is in prison, and I really liked how the author dives into the messiness of relationships, asking the question, what do we owe each other? And how to recover from a tragedy that was completely NOT your fault? That was, in fact, committed against you? 

I feel like the book veers into melodrama toward the end, and Davina's character comes out of nowhere, but I also so think the author sticks the landing in the final pages of the book, bringing her themes full circle. A good contemporary read.

importantnothings's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

happylilkt's review against another edition

4.0

4.5 stars

Tough read but well-developed characters. This would be really good for book club or classroom discussion.

iracemaquintero's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

lilyn's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

hellocatlee's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

teemoetayoh's review against another edition

emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

amy614's review against another edition

emotional sad medium-paced

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

3.0

brendanpm98's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

jllauersdorf's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

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

5.0