In Tayari Jones' poignant novel "An American Marriage," newlyweds Celestial and Roy's love story is upended when Roy is wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit. As Celestial struggles with the reality of her husband's absence, she finds herself drifting into an unexpected relationship that complicates her heart further. The narrative explores themes of love, loyalty, and the impact of systemic injustice on personal lives. Past shadows collide with present choices, leading to a profound reckoning of identity and commitment. Will their love withstand the trials of time and circumstance, or has fate rewritten their story?
By Tayari Jones
Published: 2019
"'Love is a strange and complicated thing. It can lift you up and bring you down – all at the same time.'"
A NEW YORK TIMES AND WASHINGTON POST NOTABLE BOOK A 2018 BEST OF THE YEAR SELECTION OF NPR * TIME * BUSTLE * O, THE OPRAH MAGAZINE * THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS * AMAZON.COM OPRAH’S BOOK CLUB 2018 SELECTION LONGLISTED FOR THE 2018 NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR FICTION “A moving portrayal of the effects of a wrongful conviction on a young African-American couple.” —Barack Obama “Haunting . . . Beautifully written.” —The New York Times Book Review “Brilliant and heartbreaking . . . Unforgettable.” —USA Today “A tense and timely love story . . . Packed with brave questions about race and class.” —People “Compelling.” —The Washington Post “Epic . . . Transcendent . . . Triumphant.” —Elle Newlyweds Celestial and Roy are the embodiment of both the American Dream and the New South. He is a young executive, and she is an artist on the brink of an exciting career. But as they settle into the routine of their life together, they are ripped apart by circumstances neither could have imagined. Roy is arrested and sentenced to twelve years for a crime Celestial knows he didn’t commit. Though fiercely independent, Celestial finds herself bereft and unmoored, taking comfort in Andre, her childhood friend, and best man at their wedding. As Roy’s time in prison passes, she is unable to hold on to the love that has been her center. After five years, Roy’s conviction is suddenly overturned, and he returns to Atlanta ready to resume their life together. This stirring love story is a profoundly insightful look into the hearts and minds of three people who are at once bound and separated by forces beyond their control. An American Marriage is a masterpiece of storytelling, an intimate look deep into the souls of people who must reckon with the past while moving forward—with hope and pain—into the future.
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“'Love is a strange and complicated thing. It can lift you up and bring you down – all at the same time.'”
An American Marriage (Oprah's Book Club)
By Tayari Jones
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Tayari Jones is an acclaimed American author known for her poignant storytelling and exploration of complex social themes. Her notable works include "An American Marriage," which was a finalist for the 2019 Oprah's Book Club selection and received the 2019 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work. Other significant works include "Silver Sparrow" and "Leaving Atlanta," which have garnered critical praise for their deep character development and rich narrative style. Jones's writing often delves into themes of identity, love, and the intricacies of family dynamics, often set against the backdrop of contemporary social issues. A recipient of various awards, including the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award, she is also a celebrated educator and public speaker.
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