Book: An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
Reviewed by Gremmie
Rating: 5/5
I honestly don't even know where to begin with this book. I finished it feeling heartbroken, frustrated, hopeful, and conflicted all at once.
My heart absolutely broke for Roy. He lost five years of his life for something he didn't do, and when he finally came home, the life he had been holding onto wasn't there anymore. What makes this story so powerful is how Tayari Jones shows the impact of that injustice on everyone involved.
As much as I hated what happened to Roy, I could also understand Celestial's perspective. They had only been married for a year and a half before spending five years apart. That's a long time to put your life on hold, especially when neither of them knew what their future would look like. I didn't agree with everything she did, but I could understand how she ended up where she did.
Andre, on the other hand? I could not stand him. Of all the characters, he frustrated me the most. He knew what Roy had been through, and I really felt like he should have been the bigger person and never allowed things to go as far as they did.
I was proud of Roy for ultimately respecting Celestial's decision, even when it meant letting go of the marriage he had fought so hard to return to. And as heartbreaking as everything was, I was genuinely happy that he and Davina found their way to each other. I honestly think she may have been what he needed after everything he experienced.
What I appreciated most about this book is that it didn't give us easy answers. It explored racial injustice, marriage, loyalty, and the ways people change when life doesn't turn out the way they expected. I found myself understanding decisions I didn't necessarily agree with, and I think that's part of what made this story so memorable.
Five stars because this is one of those books that leaves you thinking about the characters long after you've finished reading.