An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

Book Review

Although this book is a work of fiction, it perfectly demonstrates the racial injustice that plagues the judicial system in the United States.

The story centers on Roy and Celestial, young newlyweds whose lives are irrevocably changed by the wrongful conviction of an innocent black man. Due to being in the wrong place at the wrong time (while black), Roy is sentenced to twelve years in prison. Through alternating narrators as well as letters, we see the devolution of Roy and Celestial’s relationship during Roy’s time in prison.
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⁣Five years into serving his sentence, Roy’s conviction is overturned. He leaves prison ready to resume his life in Atlanta with the wife he left behind. However, he soon discovers that his time away changed everything.
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⁣This is a beautifully-written imperfect love story, one that so adequately captures the sad reality of those wronged by a prejudiced society. This book very much reminded me of If Beale Street Could Talk, although with a very different outcome. I found that the middle portion of the book dragged a bit; however, it was still a highly captivating read, one with exceptional character development and an incredibly important issue at it’s core.⁣
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⁣⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars

Have you read this one? If so, what did you think?