A NEW YORK TIMES AND WASHINGTON POST NOTABLE BOOK A 2018 BEST OF THE YEAR SELECTION OF NPR * TIME * BUSTLE * O, THE OPRAH MAGAZINE * THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS * AMAZON.COM OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB 2018 SELECTION LONGLISTED FOR THE 2018 NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR FICTION “A moving portrayal of the effects of a wrongful conviction on a young African-American couple.” –Barack Obama “Haunting . . . … of a wrongful conviction on a young African-American couple.” –Barack Obama
“Haunting . . . Beautifully written.” —The New York Times Book Review
“Brilliant and heartbreaking . . . Unforgettable.” —USA Today
“A tense and timely love story . . . Packed with brave questions about race and class.” —People
“Compelling.” —The Washington Post
“Epic . . . Transcendent . . . Triumphant.” —Elle
Newlyweds Celestial and Roy are the embodiment of both the American Dream and the New South. He is a young executive, and she is an artist on the brink of an exciting career. But as they settle into the routine of their life together, they are ripped apart by circumstances neither could have imagined. Roy is arrested and sentenced to twelve years for a crime Celestial knows he didn’t commit. Though fiercely independent, Celestial finds herself bereft and unmoored, taking comfort in Andre, her childhood friend, and best man at their wedding. As Roy’s time in prison passes, she is unable to hold on to the love that has been her center. After five years, Roy’s conviction is suddenly overturned, and he returns to Atlanta ready to resume their life together.
This stirring love story is a profoundly insightful look into the hearts and minds of three people who are at once bound and separated by forces beyond their control. An American Marriage is a masterpiece of storytelling, an intimate look deep into the souls of people who must reckon with the past while moving forward–with hope and pain–into the future.
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This book kept me on my toes. I just didn’t know who she would–or SHOULD–end up with. Tayari, as always, has written a book that I can’t stop thinking about. An American Marriage
This was an Oprah Winfrey pick last summer 2018). Interesting characters, not typical, are married but deal with psychological distance especially when the husband is imprisoned unfairly. Some unusual relationships and family circumstances and legal maneuvering change the direction of the characters. The book was thought-provoking and left me wondering about the foundation of the marriage and the racial disparities in our “justice” system.
An engaging and engrossing look into a marriage caught in the web of racial injustice. I was drawn into the story and moved by the heart and soul of each character as they grappled with moral choices that no one should have to make.
This book was an excellent read. I fell in love with the characters right from the start and couldn’t find a way to put the book down until it ended.
I’m splitting the difference on this one:
Quality of writing (pulled me in, kept my attention, couldn’t wait to see how it ended): 5 stars
Enjoyment of story (loved the characters, rooting for the hero/heroine, satisfying ending): 3 stars
Honestly, there was only one character I didn’t like: Celestial. Her self-centeredness was breathtaking; the fact that two men fought over such a selfish person astounded me. Because of my faith, I found it hard to relate to relate to Celestial, but I think her characterization is probably more common of the typical American mindset than mine is. I generally prefer to read books that are more lighthearted and hopeful, but I also appreciate reading books like this from time to time to remind me that not everyone shares my hope and faith (for various reasons). It makes me sad, but it also keeps me thinking.
This book stirred up many thoughts and emotions, which I consider the sign of a good book. If you’re looking for a funny, easy read, this isn’t the book for you. If, however, you want something to sit down and think about, I highly recommend this book. (This is not a Christian book, so there is some language and there are some hard scenes, but I wouldn’t consider any of it graphic.)
Events in this book follow the wrongful conviction of a newly married young black man. That might sound serious, and on one level it is as the book shows, through the perspective of three characters, the impact on the lives of the protagonists. But it is the author’s use of language, lightness of touch, ability to absorb the reader, peel back the layers that makes this a quite outstanding book.
So undermining woman. I didn’t like the book at all. Very boring and mind numbing book. The woman character very poorly draws and brainless. I guess giving an artist character can camouflage poor character and story building choices. I wish my English would be my first language so I could able to choose much direct words.
Heartbreaking, but uplifting in the end.
What a tragic story. Had the protagonist couple been white, you can be sure the outcome of that weekend would have been significantly different. Very well written
Great story of relationships!!!!
A complex story about how to find a piece of happiness in a world that can turn against you in an instant. Highly recommended.
Loved it!
Simply, the very best book I have read in years.
I couldn’t put it down. Finished in one day!
The start is stronger than its finish. I’m not the biggest fan. Honestly, this book doesn’t make me want to read more of her writing but I own other books that are better so I know this isn’t the best, to me. I hated the characters so they did manage to draw a strong emotion from me and the storyline held me and then disappointed me. But who says an author has to end a story the way you think it should end…
A book with so many themes, so much to think about and wonderfully written.
As amazing as everyone says, and the awards prove.
What a stunning novel! Tayari Jones’ book An American Marriage was a breathtaking portrayal of a true love story. It was both haunting and riveting, but above all, Jones’ writing was captivating.
This is about two newlyweds, Roy and Celestial. Just as they settle into their new life together, its torn apart by the unthinkable. Roy is arrested and sentenced to twelve years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. In their new roles, one in prison and the other a wife of a prisoner, they each try to adapt to what their future holds. Roy has little of comfort behind bars. Celestial, however, takes comfort in her career and her long time childhood friend Andre.
Five years later, Roy’s sentence is commuted and he is released. In a blink of an eye life changes for everyone. The two people who entered a marriage together are no longer the same. With hope in his heart, Roy believes Celestial will be there for him as she never filed for divorce. But there’s much Roy doesn’t know back at home.
This book is told in three voices: Celestial, Roy and Andre. The alternating point-of-views allow the reader to truly delve into this love triangle, where Jones cunningly has you rooting for one over the other.
An American Marriage not only encompasses the American dream, but also showcases how quickly it can be ripped away from you. It is thoughtful, poignant and written magnificently. While there are themes of activism and race, which makes this book so moving, it’s really a love story.
“Marriage is between two people. There is no studio audience…A marriage is more than your heart, it’s your life.”
Jones’ writing is astounding and it left me wanting more. The characters were multi-faceted and complex. They drew me into the challenges and hardships, but also the beauty and happiness, in many ways they made this story come to life.
This book made me smile, laugh and cry all at once. An American Marriage portrays an honest and real life for people in America. It’s not going to turn out like a Jane Austen novel, there will be misfortunes and sorrows, but it is how you face them and overcome them. Tayari Jones excels at bringing to life the unexpected twists and emotions in love and marriage. If you haven’t read this book, you’re truly missing out on a masterpiece. I leave you with this quote from the book:
“Sometimes when you like where you end up, you don’t care how you got there.”
Read my full review here: https://bit.ly/2T7DCZe
Page turner. Realistic.
Incredible story of survival and overcoming