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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The ending was totally unpredictable and disappointing.
I found this book emotional and thought-provoking. I’d definitely read more from this author. This is my favorite Oprah’s Book Club pick.
Book club choice, not my favorite.
This book was an honest account of a marriage that is forced to deal with racism, abandonment, loss and love. I absolutely loved this book!
I couldn’t tell which way this was going to go, but it was a well done book and hard to put down.
This book illustrates how folks and their lives can be adversely affected and complicated by the false imprisonment of one black male.
A wonderful book by a gifted writer. I loved the characters!
I loved this book. She is a wonderful storyteller. Her characters are so well developed. I have read all of her books. I loved this book because it was so realistic.
Well-written novel!
Authentic contemporary story with characters you will care about and feel their pain. Wonderful writing!
This book is full of real people. Nobody is perfect and that is what makes the book so perfect.
A compelling love story intertwined with a sharp description and analysis of structural injustice in our society. Beautifully written, believable and likable characters, interesting and intense plot. I strongly recommend this book.
This is a wonderful book. The writer is very, very talented. Can’t wait to read something else by her.
I think it is tragic because it is realistic.
A beautifully written insight into what one can rarely know – the lives of others.
This book will make you think. It’s a quick and easy read that on the surface is a straightforward book. However, if you take the time to think about it, you’ll realize the author is making many comments about the state of marriage, love and relationships in our country.
I highly recommend this book!
Couldn’t keep my interest
I looooooovvvvved this book!!! First, it was written by one of my favorite authors. This was a love story but an unconventional love story. It shows the relationship of two people who still love each other but have changed drastically and dramatically due to life circumstances.
Loved it