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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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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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Felt a strong connection to many characters in different ways. It’s a Very good book.

Brilliant

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I couldn’t possibly begin to describe the genius that is James Baldwin - he depicts the negatives of the human experience so vividly through David’s guilt and self-hatred and writes possibly the most devastating romance between David and Giovanni. A fantastic book overall.

James Baldwins writing is incredible

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