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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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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

 City Life Family Life Genre Fiction LGBTQIA+ Creators Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction Romance Urban Tear-jerking Heartfelt
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Critic reviews

Extraordinarily exact and complex emotional intimacy . . . At the core of the novel lies Baldwin’s recognition that with a denial of suffering and pain as a means of happiness, there can be no feeling, understanding, or real connection in life
Today, when a great many arguments and complaints from the queer quarters of the political sphere have to do with what has been done to queerness by the patriarchy and by whiteness, Baldwin asks, in Giovanni’s Room, what love looks like, ultimately, when we leave all those bags at the door — and if we can. Do we know how to live in a purely queer world not defined by resistance or self-hatred?’ (Hilton Als)
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)
The simple story of love is filled with ambiguity, difficulty, and paradox (Colm Tóibín)
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
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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Gut wrenching but so so BEAUTIFUL. This is my first introduction to Baldwin's work and my god is it clear why his name and his work continues to be spoken about with such reverence. This is tale of a man denying who he is and the turmoil that causes in the life of those around him... Just beautiful.

Gut wrenching but so so beautiful

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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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Every part of this intimate story is so emotionally evocative. David is despicable, and treats all the loves of his life as expendable, and yet he is so utterly lost that it’s hard to despise him. Tenderly told with heart and feeling.

Brutal and Heartbreaking

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Absolutely love some of the dialogue and character development choices. Compelling and frustrating characters, moments I mirror heavily at times on all sides.

First Baldwin Fiction

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