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Title: If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin ISBN: 0440340608 Publisher: Dell Publishing Pub. Date: 01 January, 1986 Format: Mass Market Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.31
Rating: 5
Summary: If Beale Street Could Talk . . . would America hear it?
Comment: It is always a great disappointment and a tremendous joy to read Baldwin. The author's ability to bring the experiences of African American life and the circumstances under which those lives are lived here in America is a joyful, although difficult, reading experience. The disappointment comes in realizing that although Baldwin's canon of work spanned the late 1960's through 1970's, many of the conditions that he writes about so candidly still exist in 2003. The novel is, at its core, a beautiful love story. Not the kind where man meets woman, they fall in love, marry, have children and move into their lovely suburban home adorned with white picket fence and a two car garage. For that American dream was rarely the experience of many African Americans during the period in which the novel is set. In this depiction of the American dream, Tish and Fonny meet as children, grow up and in love, all the while aspiring to create a life together. Their hopes for the future are destroyed when Fonny is jailed for a rape he did not commit.
With classic Baldwin insight, the novel reveals how individual, systematic and internalized racial hatred ruined the lives of two lovers and their families. From the white cop that set Fonny up, to the court system that held him down (although he had an alibi) to the family that turned their backs on him, all contributed to his destruction. When Baldwin isn't rendering a scathing critique of America's racial injustices, he's rebuking the unquestioning manner that many African American's cling to religion in hopes of obtaining freedom here on earth.
Although at times it is difficult to distinguish the characters' voice from the author's, the novel truthfully depicts a fictional account of the realities of America's racism. I thought the ending was a bit fatalistic but decided that is exactly the point that Baldwin was making about the future of America in the absence of full equality for all of her citizens. "If Beale Street Could Talk" is as tragic as it is loving. It's a great read that serves to remind and encourage. Highly Recommended.
Rating: 5
Summary: A Powerful Combination of Strength and Love
Comment: When Michael Ondaatje spoke of author James Baldwin, he responded, "If Van-Gogh was our 19th-cetury artist saint, James Baldwin is our 20th century one". This statement is clearly evident in Baldwin's novel If Beale Street Could Talk, a masterpiece that will move readers in more ways than one.
In the story, we are introduced to Fonny & Tish. They are a young couple, in love and looking toward marriage and building a life together; Tish is also expecting their first child. When Fonny is arrested and jailed for a serious crime, instead of waiting Tish fights for Fonny's release. She is also determined to deliver the child that is a symbol of their love and from beginning to end; we see the power of love and the realities of life that even today is an absolute truth.
With many twists and turns, If Beale Could Talk is an emotionally charged masterpiece with honest themes and characters that are relatable. James Baldwin is truly an author who has made a mark and this is one literary work that is truly recommended---for all the literary world.
Reviewed by Kanika (Nika) Wade
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
Rating: 5
Summary: Baldwin is beautiful!
Comment: There isn't enough that I can say about "If Beale Street Could Talk." It was one of the most captivating, loving, and pure novels ever written. I was moved by the love of Tish and Fonny, how their love grew naturally from childhood and blossomed into adulthood. That love transcends the prison which Fonny can't escape; that same love will set him free. I also appreciated the strong bond of Tish's family and Fonny's father, who work tirelessly to help this young man out of prison. It's refreshing to see a Black family come together in a dire time of need. This was a excellent novel for all Black readers and especially for all others who want to understand the Black experience.
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Title: Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin ISBN: 0440330076 Publisher: Laure Leaf Pub. Date: November, 1985 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: Tell Me How Long the Train's Been Gone: A Novel by James A. Baldwin ISBN: 0375701893 Publisher: Vintage Books Pub. Date: February, 1998 List Price(USD): $15.00 |
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Title: Just Above My Head by James A. Baldwin ISBN: 0385334567 Publisher: Delta Pub. Date: 13 June, 2000 List Price(USD): $11.95 |
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Title: The Fire Next Time by James A. Baldwin ISBN: 067974472X Publisher: Vintage Books Pub. Date: February, 1993 List Price(USD): $9.95 |
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Title: Another Country by James A. Baldwin ISBN: 0679744711 Publisher: Vintage Books Pub. Date: February, 1993 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
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