Title: An American Marriage
Series: N/A
Author: Tayari Jones
Release Date: Feb 6, 2018
Genres: Contemporary Fiction
Blurb: Newlyweds, Celestial and Roy, are the embodiment of both the American Dream and the New South. He is a young executive and she is artist on the brink of an exciting career. They are settling into the routine of their life together, when 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 deeply 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 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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My Review

I feel like I need to start by saying that this is an important book with some important messages. I wanted to start with that because next I’m going to tell you that I didn’t really enjoy the book or the characters in particular. But we’re not meant to enjoy this book. It’s about hopefully opening eyes on some serious issues. And while I didn’t especially enjoy the characters, I cared about them and the complete and total unfairness of what they are going through. And for me, the hardest hitting punch was the consequences of incarcerating innocent men.

I could easily dive into the issues addressed and what they’re teaching, but I’m going to leave that alone because this story wants to tell itself. On an enjoyment scale, I’d give this 3.5 stars. On importance, 4.5 stars. So, I’ll be settling with an overall 4 stars. If you’re looking for a book that deals with current issues and will make you think, this is definitely one to pick up!

Happy Reading,

Alison