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Summary: Food For The Soul. . .
Review: This turned out to be an excellent book! Filled with passion, love, desire, devastation. All these emotions and more were spawn, fed, and flourished in Giovanni's room. Powerfully written and eloquently told, the story draws in any reader who hass ever been a tennant in Giovanni's room (and we all hve if we're lucky!). A definate must read.
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Summary: Beautiful examination of love vs. convention
Review: James Baldwin's moving, insightful prose makes the case for alternate sexuality with believability and deep poignance. While a writer as great as E. M. Forster only skirted the surface of his homosexual feelings, Baldwin treats them with depth and clarity; indeed he makes the best case for the lifestyle since D. H. Lawrence in WOMEN IN LOVE with the Gerald/Rupert relationship. GIOVANNI'S ROOM goes much further of course, but in never becomes political as much modern literature does. Baldwin concentrates on the emotions, the painful beauty of love in its many forms, and the conflicts that become inevitable. Whether you're a proponent of 'alternative' lifestyles or not hardly matters; this book transcends such pigeonholing, as all great literature does.
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Summary: Noteworthy Topic, But Not Worthy of Baldwin's Reputation
Review: Giovanni's Room was a groundbreaking novel that exposed a topic rarely talked about, which is a surprise considering how bold American writers make themselves out to be. The topic offered something, but the book overall did not startle me for its perception and often I wished to give all of the characters a swift kick in the behind for being so annoying and for reading so much into so little. Baldwin is suppose to be, from his reputation at least, one of the greats. This book does not show his greatness, especially since he is known as a stylist and Giovanni's Room, with the exception of topic-falls flat and muddy. I would not discourage anyone from reading this novel, however, I would not encourage either. It was a decent read and, sadly, almost forgettable for an author of his standing
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Summary: This is one of the best novels written on indentity
Review: This novel capture the style of a European novel, and deals with both American and European characters. It is truly one of the most moving novels I have ever read. This is a true love story, capturing real elements of relationships and issues of sexual indentity. A moving and powerful novel.
Rating:
Summary: A literary masterpiece
Review: This novel, for me, is a masterpiece in literature. When I read Baldwin's works, I am not as swept away by the struggles of race or gender as I am by the genius of his writing. Baldwin was primarily seen as a social commentator for his time, place and circumstances, but he was more lurid, in my opinion, in his observance and narrative of the human condition and struggles of us all. This novel is stunning, candid and beautiful. Baldwin has delicately placed each word to give us a lasting sensation of literary satisfaction.
Rating: 
Summary: Contemporary subject matter
Review: James Baldwin is masterful in conveying underlying motives. In his book, Giovanni's Room, he deals very tactfully with the moral pitfalls of sexual relationships. The hero, David, is torn between feelings of homosexuality and heterosexual relationships. Far from being the politically correct propoganda most likely to be published today, Baldwin shines the light of his craft on this subject with startling honesty. He shows great insight into the psyche underpinning moral choices. The character development for the main characters is good but could be better for the others. Yet for such a relatively short novel he does a good job. If you want to read a novel that seems to honestly deal with the realities of this subject, this is the one. He shies away from being hyper-critical in a moral sense, yet doesn't attempt to soften the harsh realities of living this lifestyle. Overall, an excellent read.
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Summary: A Tragic and Terrific Masterpiece!!!
Review: One of my favorites novels of all time and perhaps the finest gay book ever written. This is the brilliant story of David, a closeted expatriate living in 1950s Paris whose world is rocked to its very foundations when he falls in love with bartender Giovanni. The spring affair ends in disaster, leaving both death and mournful regret in its wake. A driving narrative, numerous passages of incredible insight, poetry, vibrancy, and emotional gravity combine to make this pre-Stonewall classic a profound and unforgettable reading experience. Tragic and terrific!
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Summary: Painfully Beautiful
Review: James Baldwin's stories are more like poetry, describing painful circumstances as dreamy metaphors. I felt myself pulled away from the story a few times to ponder what Baldwin is expressing through this story, for example he writes something about not choosing your friends or who you love, just as you don't get to choose your parents. He forces you to stand in the shoes of each character, feeling as though you were naked, because the message, for me at least, is clear. If people would allow themselves to feel total honesty with themselves, then perhaps the way they are choosing to live their lives would be completely, way over on the opposite end of the spectrum then what is actually real. No sexual orrient, race, religion. Just looking inside yourself and saying "yes". And if you think I'm just getting to romantic over a story, still read this book. James Baldwin is a master at story telling. Even if you don't feel as I do about this book, I'm sure you'll feel something. It is, for me, one of those stories you thin kabout long after you've read it.
Rating:
Summary: Contemporary subject matter
Review: James Baldwin is masterful in conveying underlying motives. In his book, Giovanni's Room, he deals very tactfully with the moral pitfalls of sexual relationships. The hero, David, is torn between feelings of homosexuality and heterosexual relationships. Far from being the politically correct propoganda most likely to be published today, Baldwin shines the light of his craft on this subject with startling honesty. He shows great insight into the psyche underpinning moral choices. The character development for the main characters is good but could be better for the others. Yet for such a relatively short novel he does a good job. If you want to read a novel that seems to honestly deal with the realities of this subject, this is the one. He shies away from being hyper-critical in a moral sense, yet doesn't attempt to soften the harsh realities of living this lifestyle. Overall, an excellent read.
Rating:
Summary: Where have you been all my life?
Review: One reviewer stated that it was a shame more young readers were not reading Baldwin. It has taken me almost 35 years to discover him. One of the best writers of the 20th Century.The subject matter (as you can see in other reviews) is a bit controversial for the time. However, Baldwins lyrical prose is certainly an enjoyment to behold. I also read Notes of a Native Son at the same time as this book and its a great companion piece. Baldwin was an Expatriate living in Paris during the 50's and Notes give you further insight into Giovanni's Room. A must read novel...A must read AGAIN novel!
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