Giovanni's Room

by James Baldwin
Giovanni's Room cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Literary Fiction
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Technical
  • ID: 4775
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780141903989
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2001-10-04
  • Formats: 6
  • Reviews: 3

Giovanni's Room is a seminal work by James Baldwin, recognized as one of the BBC's '100 Novels That Shaped Our World.' The novel delves into the life of David, a young American in Paris, whose life is upended by a passionate affair with Giovanni, an Italian barman. Set against the backdrop of 1950s Paris, the story is a poignant exploration of love, denial, and the societal pressures that force individuals to confront their true selves. Baldwin's powerful prose and unflinching honesty make this a landmark in gay literature, intertwining themes of race, sexuality, and personal freedom in a way that was both controversial and revolutionary for its time. /n/n The novel's emotional depth and raw intensity have earned it critical acclaim, with praise from notable sources such as The Guardian and The San Francisco Chronicle. Baldwin's ability to capture the exquisite beauty and excruciating pain of human relationships makes Giovanni's Room a timeless and essential read.

Reviews
Reading on a Star · 2023-10-02
inspiring 4.75

The book is an incredible read that explores how one can be surrounded by genuine love. It is a powerful and moving story.

The reviewer from Reading on a Star describes Giovanni's Room as an incredible read that delves into the complexities of love and human connection. They appreciate the book's ability to portray genuine love and the sacrifices people make for those they care about. The reviewer finds the story powerful and moving, highlighting Baldwin's skill in creating memorable characters and a timeless narrative. They believe the book is a groundbreaking work that deserves to be widely read and appreciated.

Quick quotes

    It's an incredible read, as it puts into play how one can honestly be surrounded by genuine love by those who would do almost anything to ...

    The book is a powerful and moving story.

    Baldwin's skill in creating memorable characters and a timeless narrative.

I Would Rather Be Reading Blog · 2023-03-04
heartfelt 4.50

This novel is one of the most honest in understanding true love and pain. It is a poignant exploration of human emotions.

The reviewer from I Would Rather Be Reading Blog praises Giovanni's Room as one of the most honest novels they have ever read. They highlight the book's ability to capture the complexities of love and pain, making it a deeply moving experience. The reviewer appreciates Baldwin's raw and honest portrayal of human emotions, which resonates deeply with the reader. They believe that much has changed since the book's publication, but its themes remain relevant and powerful.

Quick quotes

    This is one of the most honest novels I've ever read in understanding true love and pain.

    I want to believe that much has changed since the book was written.

    The book is a poignant exploration of human emotions.

The Guardian · 2016-11-19
harrowing 3.50

The book gives voice to David's self-loathing disgust at homosexuality, making it a challenging read. It is a powerful exploration of identity and shame.

The Guardian's review highlights the raw and unflinching portrayal of David's internal struggle with his sexuality. The reviewer notes that the book's honesty about self-loathing and shame makes it a difficult but necessary read. They appreciate Baldwin's ability to capture the complexities of human emotion and the societal pressures that shape identity. The review suggests that while the book is challenging, it is also a profound exploration of love and pain.

Quick quotes

    But it's also true that the book gives rather horrifying voice to David's self-loathing disgust at homosexuality.

    There's an extraordinarily powerful exploration of identity and shame.

    The book is a raw and unflinching portrayal of David's internal struggle.

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