Giovanni’s room by James Baldwin- Book Review

Published year: 1956,
Genre: Psychological fiction

‘Giovanni’s Room’ is set in Paris during a time of scarcity, where jobs are hard to come by for those who arrive with nothing, while the city indulges in fine dining and debauchery for the wealthy. The protagonist, David, has journeyed to the city in search of himself, seeking escape from his home in America.

David harbors a deep hatred for his own sexuality, and his fervent desire to keep his true self hidden ultimately leads to the destruction of everything he holds dear. His encounter with Giovanni on one fateful night ignites something within David that he refuses to acknowledge.

The affair, initially thought to last only a night, becomes Giovanni’s salvation as he grapples with hunger, misery, and the ache of unrequited love for David. Despite his efforts, David remains emotionally distant, ensconced behind walls he dares not break through. Torn between his “correct” choice, Hella, a woman he has proposed to who has embarked on her own journey, and Giovanni, whose presence awakens feelings David has long suppressed, the protagonist struggles to come to terms with his identity and the possibility of a connection with Giovanni. When he finally accepts his truth, it is too late—for both of them.

Secondary characters play significant roles in the relationship between David and Giovanni, illustrating the challenges of honesty and authenticity. Jacques, an affluent older man who belatedly grapples with his own desires, seeks solace in superficial affection purchased with money. The landlord, Guillaume, abuses his power over the workers in his bar, displaying malice while feigning politeness and chivalry when necessary, igniting a simmering anger in the reader as he torments Giovanni.

Each character in the book is flawed, including Giovanni, whose misogynistic views reflect the environment and upbringing of his time. Hella, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and freedom, faces her own failures and reality checks, providing insight that resonates with modern readers. And yet she seem to come back with her own self preservation thoughts more than her love for David. These flaws make each character real and true to their essence.

As the story unfolds, the reader is compelled to continue, haunted by each word, yet knowing that it will never be enough.

The love written between Giovanni and David was passionate, cruel with a layer of deep affection that it hurts to go over the next pages to witness their inevitable separation.

You weep for the love that tore apart but it felt true to your bones because you saw the beginning and as mentioned in book, “you won’t rest until you see the end.”. The affair which was bound last for a night become Giovanni’s salvation as he struggles with his hunger and misery and the ache between his ribs while seeing the man he feels so deeply for trying to remain impassive. Whatever he did nothing seem to reach David, who has his own set of walls that he never dared to break through and when he finally accepted it was too late. All too late.

A good read with each word haunting you to read more and yet knowing it is not enough.