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Giovanni's Room

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Giovanni's Room

By: James Baldwin
Narrated by: Matthew Bomer, Kevin Young
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

David, a young American in 1950s Paris, is waiting for his fiancée to return from vacation in Spain. But when he meets Giovanni, a handsome Italian barman, the two men are drawn into an intense affair. After three months David's fiancée returns and, denying his sexuality, he rejects Giovanni for a 'safe' future as a married man — a decision that will bring tragedy, longing and regret.

'Audacious... remarkable... elegant and courageous' Caryl Phillips

'Exquisite, a feat of fire-breathing, imaginative daring' Guardian

'Gorgeous, fearless, tempered by dark knowledge and pain ... the greatest American prose stylist of his generation' Colm Tóibín

'A layered exploration of queer desire ... It is electric' Hilton Als

©1956 James Baldwin (P)2024 Penguin Audio Classics Genre Fiction LGBTQIA+ Creators Literature & Fiction Psychological World Literature Tear-jerking

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Critic reviews

The whole novel is a kind of anatomy of shame, of its roots and the myths that perpetuate it, of the damage it can do. (Garth Greenwell)
It has a level of angst and heartbreak I am yet to find anywhere else (Troye Sivan)
A mesmerizing book (Chris Abani)
All stars
Most relevant
JB seems very ahead of his time detailing the struggle of a gay man to accept his reality, and the damage he does to those who love him, his lover Giovanni and his fiancee Helle. Each end up bitterly rejecting him in the end.

It’s also a scathing portrait of Americans abroad as these selfish children who are merely playing or toying with other people’s lives.

Apart from a short authorial interjection strongly against men who dress as women and take on their airs and mannerisms, the book feels as if it has not aged at all since its publication,

Strips bare the soul

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James Baldwin's "Giovanni's Room" stands as a profound and groundbreaking novel that delves deep into the complexities of sexuality, identity, and self-acceptance. Published in 1956, the novel was revolutionary for its unflinching portrayal of homosexual relationships at a time when such narratives were largely taboo.

The story follows David, an American expatriate in Paris, as he grapples with his sexual identity and emotional truth. Baldwin masterfully crafts a narrative that transcends simple labels of sexuality, instead exploring the raw human emotions of love, fear, and internal conflict. Through David's relationship with Giovanni, Baldwin creates a poignant examination of societal expectations, internalised shame, and the devastating consequences of denying one's true self.

What makes "Giovanni's Room" truly remarkable is Baldwin's exquisite prose. The novel doesn't just tell a story of gay or bisexual experience; it universal tale of human vulnerability, the pain of self-rejection, and the destructive power of societal judgment.

A devastating yet beautiful novel, "Giovanni's Room" is more than just a story about sexuality—it's a profound meditation on the human capacity for love, self-deception, and the painful journey of self-discovery. It reminds us of the universal struggle to be true to oneself in a world often hostile to difference.

A Timeless Exploration of Identity and Desire

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When David meets the sensual Giovanni in a bohemian bar, he is swept into a passionate love affair. But his girlfriend’s return to Paris destroys everything. Unable to admit to the truth, David pretends the liaison never happened – while Giovanni’s life descends into tragedy...
Initially I felt this was an historical artifact from a time when people were not allowed to be who they are and wondered was there any point to it. Because it was this month's book club group I went back and I am glad I did. Yes it is a tragic story from a cruel time, but it stands on its own as a very sad love story. We get so much insight into the narrators mind and all the other characters, especially Giovanni, are vivid. It is a thin book, however there is so much in it that I will soon take another go at it and I am sure I will find more again.

POIGNIANT STORY WELL TOLD.

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Absolutely loved this book, thrilling, emotional, atmospheric. Listened to as a book group selection, delighted to have been introduced to James Baldwin

Exquisite!

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Incredibly well written. Believable characters illustrating the hard reality of emotional physical and sexual struggle. It is written so that one understands David whilst also not envying his position and at times judging him, The reader is very good

A moving novel of conflict and struggle

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