The book also explores the idea of sexuality and manhood, which Baldwin so perfectly dissects and critiques. The protagonist, David, is a deeply damaged character - he yearns for a life he desperately wants, but the society he lives in (as well as his own fear) prevents him from seeking that life, and he is depressed as a result. Baldwin’s writing is powerful and vivid, and so perfectly expressed the themes of the book. Giovanni’s Room is a short novel - only about 150 pages long - and yet it packs a massive punch. This book is devastating, beautiful and haunting all at the same time - which is definitely a theme of Baldwin’s novels. I’ve wanted to read James Baldwin for a very long time, and I have to admit, I’m so glad I started with Giovanni’s Room, his quintessential queer classic.
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