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Giovanni's Room

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( 234,145 ratings, 30,977 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin is a poignant exploration of identity and love set in 1950s Paris. The story follows an American expatriate grappling with his sexuality and societal expectations as he navigates a turbulent relationship with an Italian bartender named Giovanni. This deeply emotional narrative delves into themes of passion, guilt, and self-discovery.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate deeply emotional and beautifully written explorations of love, identity, and longing set in the intriguing backdrop of 1950s Paris. James Baldwin's masterful storytelling and rich character development make for a compelling and thought-provoking read.

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David has just proposed marriage to his American girlfriend, but while she is away on a trip he becomes involved in a doomed affair with a bartender named Giovanni. This title is set in the Paris of the 1950s, where a young American expatriate finds himself caught between his repressed desires and conventional morality.

The groundbreaking novel by one of the most important twentieth-century American writers, now in an Everyman's Library Contemporary Classics hardcover edition.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Giovanni's Room, a groundbreaking novel by James Baldwin, stands as a monumental literary work by one of the twentieth century’s most significant American writers. This Everyman's Library Contemporary Classics hardcover edition revives Baldwin’s poignant exploration of love, identity, and societal norms.

Set against the evocative backdrop of 1950s Paris, Giovanni's Room delves into the life of David, a young American expatriate struggling with his internal conflicts and societal pressures. David is engaged to his American girlfriend, Hella, who is away on a trip. During her absence, David's life takes a profound turn as he becomes entangled in an intense love affair with Giovanni, a captivating bartender. As David grapples with his repressed desires and the traditional morality imposed upon him, he is drawn into a tragic and passionate relationship that questions the very essence of his identity.

With his sharp, probing insight, Baldwin crafts a narrative that delves deeply into the mysteries of love, identity, and human emotion. The story unfolds with a penetrating sincerity, revealing the complex layers of the human heart and the often unspoken struggles faced by those who find themselves at odds with societal expectations.

James Baldwin’s masterful storytelling in Giovanni's Room transcends time, offering a rich and moving examination of the human condition. His vivid descriptions and emotionally charged prose make this novel a timeless classic, essential for anyone seeking to understand the subtleties and nuances of love and identity.

This edition of Giovanni's Room is a testament to Baldwin's enduring legacy, providing readers with an opportunity to experience the depth and beauty of his work in a beautifully crafted hardcover. Whether you are revisiting this classic or discovering it for the first time, Baldwin’s profound narrative promises to leave an indelible mark on your heart and mind.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin is frequently praised for its audacious and remarkable storytelling, elegant prose, and courageous thematic exploration. Critics highlight its powerful drama and intense vision, describing it as a feat of imaginative daring and exquisite craft.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781841593722

Publisher: Everyman

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 04 February 2016

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Everyman's Library

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 16.0mm

Width: 135.0mm

Height: 211.0mm

Weight: 320g

Pages: 200

About the Author

Born in 1924 in New York City, James Baldwin published the 1953 novel Go Tell It on the Mountain, going on to garner acclaim for his insights on race, spirituality and humanity. Other novels included Giovanni's Room, Another Country and Just Above My Head as well as essay works like Notes of a Native Son and The Fire Next Time. Having lived in France, he died on December 1, 1987 in Saint-Paul de Vence.

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