James Baldwin

First published in 1957, this book attempts to tackle the conflict between homosexual and heterosexual love. It tells of David, a young man awakening to his true homosexual nature, through a relationship with a barman named Giovanni, as he awaits his fiancee's arrival from Spain.

Giovanni's Room

ryan

I look at my sex, my troubling sex, and wonder how it can be redeemed, how I can save it from the knife.

"what is this thing about time? Why is it better to be late than early? People are always saying, we must wait, we must wait. What are they waiting for?"

"You are how old? Twenty-six or seven? l am nearly twice that and, let me tell you, you are lucky. You are lucky that what is happening to you now is happening 

 and not when you are forty, or something like that, when there would be no hope for you and would simply be destroyed."

Helen 

I SCARCELY KNOW HOW to describe that room. It became, in a way, every room I had ever been in and every room I find myself in hereafter will remind me of Giovanni's room. I did not really stay there very long we mer before the spring began and I left there during the summerbut it still seems to me that I spent a lifetime there. Life in that room seemed to be occurring underwater, as I Say, and it is certain that I underwent a sea change there.

I SCARCELY KNOW How to describe that room. It became, in a way, every room I had ever been in and every room I find myself in hereafter will remind me of Giovanni's room. I did not really stay there very long we met before the spring began and I left there during the summerbut it still seems to me that I spent a lifetime there. Life in that room seemed to be occurring underwater, as I say, and it is certain that I underwent a sea change there.

 And I realized that such childishness was fantastic at my age and the happiness out of which it sprang yet more so; for that moment I really loved Giovanni, who had never seemed more beautiful than he was that afternoon. And, watching his face, I realized that it meant much to me that I could make his face so bright. I saw that I might be willing to give a great deal not to lose that power.  

Ivana Varesko

‘Take off your shoes. Take off your socks. Look at my books - I often wonder what I’d do if there weren’t any books in the world.’ 

I ached, abruptly, intolerably, with a longing to go home… to things and people I knew and understood; to those things, those places, those people which I would always helplessly, and in whatever bitterness of spirit, love above all else. I had never relized such a sentiment in myslef before, and it frightened me. I saw myself, sharply, as a wanderer, an adventurer, rocking through the world, unanchored. 

I don't believe in this nonsense about time. Time is just common, it's like water for a fish. Everybody's in this water, nobody gets out of it, or ifhe does the same thing happens to him that happens to the fish, he dies. And you know what happens in this water, time? The big fish eat the little fish. That's all. The big fish eat the little fish and the ocean doesn't care.

clara

"People who believe that they are strong-willed and the masters of their destiny can only continue to believe this by becoming specialists in self- deception. Their decisions are not really decisions at all-a real decision makes one humble, one knows that it is at the mercy of more things than can be named-but elaborate systems of evasion, of illusion, designed to make themselves and the world appear to be what they and the world are not."

"It takes strength to remember, it takes another kind of strength to forget, it takes a hero to do both. People who remember court madness through pain, the pain of the perpetually recurring death of their innocence; people who forget court another kind of madness, the madness of the denial of pain and the hatred of innocence: and the world is mostly divided between madmen who remember and madmen who forget. Heroes are rare "

...for nothing is more unbearable, once one has it, than freedom.

"And this was perhaps the first time in my life that death occurred to me as a reality. I thought of the people before me who had looked down at the river and gone to sleep beneath it. I wondered about them. I wondered how they had done it-it, the physical act. I had thought of suicide when I was much younger, as, possibly, we all have, but then it would have been for revenge, it would have been my way of informing the world how awfully it had made me suffer. But the silence of the evening, as I wandered home, had nothing to do with that storm, that far off boy. I simply wondered about the dead because their days had ended and I did not know how I would get through mine,"

"Somebody," said Jacques, "your father or mine, should have told us that not many people have ever died of love. But multitudes have perished and are perishing every hour--and in the oddest places!--for the lack of it,."

Maria

I had loved her once and I made myself believe it. But I wonder if I had.

One of the BBC's '100 Novels That Shaped Our World' Baldwin's ground-breaking second novel, which established him as one of the great American writers of his time David, a young American in 1950s Paris, is waiting for his fiancée to return from vacation in Spain. But when he meets Giovanni, a handsome Italian barman, the two men are drawn into an intense affair. After three months David's fiancée returns and, denying his true nature, he rejects Giovanni for a 'safe' future as a married man. His decision eventually brings tragedy. Filled with passion, regret and longing, this story of a fated love triangle has become a landmark of gay writing. James Baldwin caused outrage as a black author writing about white homosexuals, yet for him the issues of race, sexuality and personal freedom were eternally intertwined. 'Exquisite... a feat of fire-breathing, imaginative daring' Guardian 'Excruciating beauty' San Francisco Chronicle 'Audacious... remarkable... elegant and courageous' Caryl Phillips

nica

“Giovanni,” I said, helplessly, “be careful. Please be careful.”

He gave me an ironical smile. “Thank you,” he said. “You should have given me that advice the night we met.”

“If you cannot love me, I will die. Before you came I wanted to die, I have told you many times. It is cruel to have made me want to live only to make my death more bloody.”

“I have never reached you,” said Giovanni. “You have never really been here. I do not think you have ever lied to me, but I know that you have never told me the truth—why? Sometimes you were here all day long and you read or you opened the window or you cooked something—and I watched you—and you never said anything—and you looked at me with such eyes, as though you did not see me. All day, while I worked, to make this room for you.”

“You smell of wine,” said Giovanni, then.

“I haven’t been drinking wine. Is that what frightened you? Is that why you are crying?”

“If I am not here” said Giovanni, both vindictive and near tears, “by the time you come back again, I will be at home. You remember where that is—? It is near a zoo.”

But with the look he gave me then my anger left me and I wanted to cry. “You are not nice,” he said.

I was guilty and irritated and full of love and pain. I wanted to kick him and I wanted to take him in my arms.

I was the only person on God’s cold, green earth who cared about him, who knew his speech and silence, knew his arms, and did not carry a knife. The burden of his salvation seemed to be on me and I could not endure it.

James Baldwin’s groundbreaking novel about love and the fear of love is set among the bohemian bars and nightclubs of 1950s Paris. In the 1950s Paris of American expatriates, liaisons, and violence, a young man finds himself caught between desire and conventional morality. With a sharp, probing imagination, James Baldwin's now-classic narrative delves into the mystery of loving and creates a moving, highly controversial story of death and passion that reveals the unspoken complexities of the human heart. "A book that belongs in the top rank of fiction.” —The Atlantic

really expected to like this but… maybe i just forced myself to read it at the wrong time (i’m a bit of a vibes based reader) so i just… didn’t care much for this

(˘•̥ω•̥˘)

really expected to like this but… maybe i just forced myself to read it at the wrong time (i’m a bit of a vibes based reader) so i just… didn’t care much for this
¯\_(ツ)_/¯

deeply painful and gorgeous. to Want! to live ,, even to a bloodier death

petrina

This is a very tragic tale of a closeted man trying to navigate the world as a queer man in the 50s. I wanted to like this more than I did, but it’s very hard for me to take my 2025 lenses off and pretend I am a product of more ignorant times. The book’s prose was gorgeous, and this is one of the most easily digestible classics I’ve read thus far. However, I cannot overlook the rampant misogyny and transphobia.

The only character I enjoy is Hella. JUSTICE FOR HER. I think the internalized homophobia had its place and is not a part of my criticism. I believe the depiction of it to be very well done, but the other stuff seemed superfluous and unnecessary. For instance, there was this section that was just making fun of women but added no value to the story for me. It was just misogyny for misogyny sake.

It’s up to the reader to discern if the problematic characterization of the women, the trans community, and older gay community is just David’s view of the world, or if it’s Baldwin’s beliefs bleeding into the pages. My assumption is that it’s Baldwin being a product of his time. For instance, older gay men are written as sleazy, despicable men. As a 2025 reader, I’m allowed to look at this however I see fit. The problematic aspects of this made me very uncomfortable, though I understand the overall point and perspective of this novel.

It is refreshing to see such an unabashedly queer book that doesn’t rely on reading between the lines or reader interpretation. I just wish the characters were more sympathetic and likable and that it was written with more care to other marginalized identities. I can see why this is a favorite classic, though.

Nik ✨

This is a very tragic tale of a closeted man trying to navigate the world as a queer man in the 50s. I wanted to like this more than I did, but it’s very hard for me to take my 2025 lenses off and pretend I am a product of more ignorant times. The book’s prose was gorgeous, and this is one of the most easily digestible classics I’ve read thus far. However, I cannot overlook the rampant misogyny and transphobia.

The only character I enjoy is Hella. JUSTICE FOR HER. I think the internalized homophobia had its place and is not a part of my criticism. I believe the depiction of it to be very well done, but the other stuff seemed superfluous and unnecessary. For instance, there was this section that was just making fun of women but added no value to the story for me. It was just misogyny for misogyny sake.

It’s up to the reader to discern if the problematic characterization of the women, the trans community, and older gay community is just David’s view of the world, or if it’s Baldwin’s beliefs bleeding into the pages. My assumption is that it’s Baldwin being a product of his time. For instance, older gay men are written as sleazy, despicable men. As a 2025 reader, I’m allowed to look at this however I see fit. The problematic aspects of this made me very uncomfortable, though I understand the overall point and perspective of this novel.

It is refreshing to see such an unabashedly queer book that doesn’t rely on reading between the lines or reader interpretation. I just wish the characters were more sympathetic and likable and that it was written with more care to other marginalized identities. I can see why this is a favorite classic, though.

idk man the rife mysoginy made it so hard to care about giovanni? and im just unsure if we were supposed to or not. I understand David’s character but what was the point in Giovanni feeling that way? Felt weird. 

But, beautifully written and david’s character was so well done, bc I think we got his internal battle and we were supposed to see his bad actions and also why he felt that way, but idk about Giovanni like bro am I supposed to care about this dude? 

Laura Layden

idk man the rife mysoginy made it so hard to care about giovanni? and im just unsure if we were supposed to or not. I understand David’s character but what was the point in Giovanni feeling that way? Felt weird. 

But, beautifully written and david’s character was so well done, bc I think we got his internal battle and we were supposed to see his bad actions and also why he felt that way, but idk about Giovanni like bro am I supposed to care about this dude? 

A beautiful—tragic—book, also my first James Baldwin! Finished in 2 days. I knew immediately that I loved his prose; you sense all throughout the narrative as though David is still in flight from himself, grappling indefinitely with this story, this part of him, recounting and making sense of it, at the same time, resisting sense. I'm so in awe of how Baldwin accomplishes so much in so little time. In a quick 170-page run, it is a serious exploration of the human condition.

karalea

 is a masterful exploration of cultural differences, personal identity, and the moral dilemmas that define humanity. Through vivid descriptions and intricate storytelling, Baldwin invites readers to question the internal and external factors that drive human behavior, especially in the face of struggles with morality and sexuality.

One of the book’s standout elements is Baldwin’s ability to bring settings to life. His evocative depictions of Paris, both enchanting and oppressive, frame an intense discussion on the fragile dynamics of tourism and the privilege it entails. Beyond its vivid landscapes, the story’s real power lies in its characters. Baldwin’s nuanced portrayals create a bizarre yet profound connection, forcing readers to confront the complexities of their relationships.

The story also delves deeply into societal injustices, particularly the media's and elite class’s exploitation of youth. This theme, though subtle, is a potent undercurrent that adds depth to what might initially seem like a simple love story.

 is far more than a tale of romance; it’s a poignant commentary on identity, society, and the human condition. Highly recommended for those seeking a book that challenges and captivates in equal measure.

Anugerah

James Baldwin's Giovanni’s Room is a masterful exploration of cultural differences, personal identity, and the moral dilemmas that define humanity. Through vivid descriptions and intricate storytelling, Baldwin invites readers to question the internal and external factors that drive human behavior, especially in the face of struggles with morality and sexuality.

One of the book’s standout elements is Baldwin’s ability to bring settings to life. His evocative depictions of Paris, both enchanting and oppressive, frame an intense discussion on the fragile dynamics of tourism and the privilege it entails. Beyond its vivid landscapes, the story’s real power lies in its characters. Baldwin’s nuanced portrayals create a bizarre yet profound connection, forcing readers to confront the complexities of their relationships.

The story also delves deeply into societal injustices, particularly the media's and elite class’s exploitation of youth. This theme, though subtle, is a potent undercurrent that adds depth to what might initially seem like a simple love story.

Giovanni’s Room is far more than a tale of romance; it’s a poignant commentary on identity, society, and the human condition. Highly recommended for those seeking a book that challenges and captivates in equal measure.

what a beautiful yet tragic story. its actually a short book, but it takes me quite a long time to finish bcs i need more time to process. my rating might change as the time goes by, but overall 4 stars! baldwin’s writing delivered the emotions well.

almeera

Go Tell It on the Mountain (Penguin Modern Classics)

I can’t believe we all write with the same English language that Baldwin does . He uses it to its fullest and makes it so beautiful

Emma Shamburg

yaya

one’s greatest punishment is being oneself. 

While his family struggles with guilt, bitterness, and spiritual issues, John Grimes experiences a religious conversion in the Temple of the Fire Baptised.

Go Tell it on the Mountain

Kavitha Ramachandran 

Don't like the homophobia and subtle racism.

Susan

devastatingly beautiful, lines made me throw the book across the room

sukan

When David meets the sensual Giovanni in a bohemian bar, he is swept into a passionate love affair. But his girlfriend's return to Paris destroys everything. Unable to admit to the truth, David pretends the liaison never happened - while Giovanni's life descends into tragedy. United by the theme of love, the writings in the Great Loves series span over two thousand years and vastly different worlds. Readers will be introduced to love's endlessly fascinating possibilities and extremities: romantic love, platonic love, erotic love, gay love, virginal love, adulterous love, parental love, filial love, nostalgic love, unrequited love, illicit love, not to mention lost love, twisted and obsessional love . . . .

a devastating story of a soul laid bare in the way that an animal bares its teeth

Charlotte Hedges

« perhaps he is a fool or a coward but almost everybody is one or the other and most people are both. »

what a gut punch. what a book. i have no words i think for the amount of emotions i have felt in such a short time, 150 pages seems short but my goodness what a story. what a writer. this book truly pulls you in immediately but this is not something that can be put into words, you really have to read and experience it in order to understand just how deep and heavy this is. 

what a tragic read that i will carry with me forever. thank you to everyone who has ever recommended this to me and to my best friend who gifted me this book on my birthday.

florine

« perhaps he is a fool or a coward but almost everybody is one or the other and most people are both. »

what a gut punch. what a book. i have no words i think for the amount of emotions i have felt in such a short time, 150 pages seems short but my goodness what a story. what a writer. this book truly pulls you in immediately but this is not something that can be put into words, you really have to read and experience it in order to understand just how deep and heavy this is. 

what a tragic read that i will carry with me forever. thank you to everyone who has ever recommended this to me and to my best friend who gifted me this book on my birthday.

Definition of gut wrenching. So insanely beautiful but reading it made me feel sick. All-encompassing.

“Americans should never come to Europe,” she said, and tried to laugh and began to cry, “it means they never can be happy again” 

Annie Millman

Definition of gut wrenching. So insanely beautiful but reading it made me feel sick. All-encompassing.

“Americans should never come to Europe,” she said, and tried to laugh and began to cry, “it means they never can be happy again” 

Devastating. Incredible to read out loud and sink your teeth into.

widya

"The groundbreaking novel by one of the most important twentieth-century American writers--now in an Everyman's Library Contemporary Classics hardcover edition. Giovanni's Room is set in the Paris of the 1950s, where a young American expatriate finds himself caught between his repressed desires and conventional morality. David has just proposed marriage to his American girlfriend, but while she is away on a trip he becomes involved in a doomed affair with a bartender named Giovanni. With sharp, probing insight, James Baldwin's classic narrative delves into the mystery of love and tells an impassioned, deeply moving story that reveals the unspoken complexities of the human heart. Introduction by Colm Toibín"--

Drew Nerbas

An amazing story about human nature with a large emotional impact, loved every page

anna g

this book drew me in and spat me back out so quickly but I loved it it was so intensely beautiful I can't wait to reread it one day

Ghofran Mustafa 

'your father or mine, should have told us that not many people have ever died of love. But multitudes have perished, and are perishing every hour—and in the oddest places —for the lack of it.'

I'm utterly heartbroken!
Been avoiding this book for so long, till I feel like I'm in the perfect mood for it.
And now I feel it's gonna be one of my favorites for this year.

Ryan Mateyk

Call Me By Your Name could never!!!!! (jk it could and it did, but this also did!)

Giovanni's Room

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