An American Marriage

Books | Fiction / Family Life / General

3.8

(520)

Tayari Jones

One of the most anticipated novels of 2018 according to Entertainment Weekly * Goodreads * Esquire * Elle * Cosmopolitan *BBC * Huffington Post * Bustle * Southern Living * Newsday * Bookish * Nylon “Transcendent . . . Triumphant . . . Gorgeous.”—Elle“A stunning epic love story . . . An exquisite, timely, and powerful novel that feels both urgent and indispensable.”—Edwidge DanticatNewlyweds 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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More Details:

Author

Tayari Jones

Pages

320

Publisher

HarperCollins Canada

Published Date

2018-02-06

ISBN

1443456969 9781443456968

Community ReviewsSee all

"Hard to put blame on any characters because she writes it so well that you can see everyone’s pov. I’m glad it worked out for everyone even though only one deserved peace. Goes to shoe you that you don’t really know what you want & circumstances always reveals the truth. I like this book but it doesn’t top Silver Sparrow to me, I love her writing style"

Mani M

"Celestial and Roy are in a new marriage when he is wrongfully incarcerated. Their marriage is strained and put to the test while he is in prison. They have to see if there be anything left/salvageable when he is out. I zoomed through this book at rapid speed. The multiple pov were great. Each character was well developed and you could understand each one’s pain and side to the story. I was SO pleased with the ending. 4/5 for me. "

Krystyn

"DNF 40% The reviews for this book were so good, but the story did not grab me, even after I dove back in two more times. I dropped it and moved on to another book in my queue."

Diane Morello

"Heartfelt "

Amy Yillik

"I'm one of the few, it seems, who really did not enjoy this book. Celestial and Andre were both insufferable, for reasons beyond the scope of the love triangle. The family dynamics interested me, Roy's prison stint interested me but beyond that, nothing. No one cares about whoever actually committed the crime, and the success of the appeal? The happy ending was far too pat, hinging on one barely serviceable female character. Just a disappointing."

tinyhouse bigreads

"AN AMERICAN MARRIAGE - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Just as I thought this book was taking me out of a book rut, I feel like I'll be left with a book hangover! What a book - such a fantastic read. I know it's still early in 2018, but this may be at the top of the list along side of Kristin Hannah's THE NIGHTINGALE. Roy O. Hamilton is convicted of a crime he didn't commit and sentenced to 12 years in prison. Through a series of letters and dual perspective chapters, we see the struggle Roy's incarceration has on his marriage and family. When Roy is released early and ready to continue life that has been on pause for 5 years, things have changed, including his wife Celestial. ***All is explained on the books insert, so no spoilers here, however, if I don't want to say anymore!***. Like I said, this book was fantastic. It was a quick read for me, bit wasn't short of heavy content. It discusses so many relevant topics such as racial profiling, injustice, while captivating readers on the love story way of writing. I loved the discussion of injustice within the US prison systems - I found this challenging. Not because I disagree by any means, but because it was very thought provoking. It showed a ripple effect of injustices amongst Roy's wife, friends and family. All in all, excellent read. Thats a wrap for my February reads."

Sarah Camus

"Yes it’s a great read! "

M J

Miltoya Jones

"I’m not sure if I loved it so much because the previous book I’d read was so bad or if it’s just that good. Regardless, I loved it. This author! I feel like she taught me a lot about the sweet black culture without even meaning to . So beautiful. What a blessed writer. Somehow, she manages to make you like (if not love) every character. Even deadbeat Walter! Roy has my heart ❤️. I wish Olive was my next door neighbor. Oh how I’d love to eat her food or go to her for advice and coffee! Great ending. There were several ending options and she chose the perfect one."

J O

Jacquie Oermann

"This was book fantastic. I think it’s my favorite book this year. It’s a thought provoking novel that kept me turning the pages."