This was my first Baldwin and I loved it. Nowadays, fiction, in practically all formats, is pushing for representation of minorities, but very often does it poorly. It’s like they’re checking a box. This book actually shows gay men whose lives are deeply affected by their sexuality, but not entirety defined by it. They read as real, interesting, engaging people. Also, the prose is great. Baldwin had a beautiful and approachable style that makes his books flow effortlessly despite the complexity of the themes, symbols and motifs. If you haven’t read Giovanni’s Room, don’t waste any more of time - just read it.
i had to keep reminding myself that this was written in the 50's. it feels so timeless and i wonder how people responded after reading it at the time it was published
It really felt as if I was watching a film rather than just reading the book. And in a good way, too. The writing is evocative and visceral. Equally amazing is your review. Thank you 😊
I adore this book; it was one of the most important books I read when I came out aged 16 and it made me feel something powerful. It spoke to me, and it revealed a lot to me about myself, especially about shame. Before I was honest with myself and others about my sexuality, shame was the only thing I felt about my existence. When I was young, the word gay only ever had negative connotations when people said it. But as I came out, and got older, I refused to feel shame. Baldwin inspired me to no longer hide and no longer feel that shame about who I am as a person. I am glad you enjoyed this novel, anything by Baldwin is amazing. The spiritual successor to “Giovanni’s Room” is “Another Country”, his third novel. I think you would love the portrayal of New York through Baldwin’s eyes.
I am an English major and have been out of school for about 5 years now, and hearing you speak about this book scratched an itch in my heart and my soul that I didn't know needed scratching. I could listen to you talk about books for hours, especially this one. I just finished it this morning and needed someone to talk to about it, but since none of my friends have read it, this satisfied my need for wanting to explore the themes and uncover those metaphors that I feel like I missed. Thank you endlessly for this video! You're such an incredible speaker and I loved your views on this novel!
That was pretty interesting. I've always struggled with affection and care, given the way I was raised. I've hardly received any of both from my parents, so I grew up without knowing how to love or be kind towards someone else, But that is something I'm trying to change and, as you said, not going the other way when the door opens. God bless, man. Grettings from Brazil.
Great review, this was my first Baldwin. It really moved me, it lingered in my thoughts long after I had turned the last page. It's up there in my top books of all time.
OH WOW. It's my favourite book of all time and I remember ages ago when I recommended that to you when you posed a question on Instagram. So your review is happening, yess!
Outstanding review, Cliff. I'd recommend If Beale Street Could Talk as your next foray into Baldwin - another take on "sophisticated tragedy". It's a story about real love opening the door, as you say at the end, and the characters defiantly, doggedly fighting to keep that door open.
Hi Cliff - just finished it and loved it. Hearing you talk about it, though. made me think we read two different books. I think Baldwin could say it wasn't strictly speakiing a gay novel because he couldn't imagine what life would become for LGBTQ people in the 35+ years since he's died. As a 73 yo lesbian I remember well the atmosphere of the gay bars and life of shame and secrecy that Baldwin describes and which David is both attracted to and repelled by. David's problem wasn't just not being good at relationships, which is certainly universal. He lied all the time to everyone and every lie was a betrayal. I didn't see Giovanni's room as a place of freedom and love, as you did. I experienced it as toxic and claustrophobic. It was a place where lies grew unchallenged. I didn't buy at all that he would always love Giovanni. That was no doubt comforting when he said that to himself, but it was easy and cheap and another lie. I totally agree that the writing is gorgeous. Paragraphs took my breath away and I had to stop and reread the section or paragraph.
I just added this to my TBR the other day. I finished Go Tell it on the Mountain, and enjoyed the way he wrote. I want to read Notes from a Native Son, as well.
You put the main themes of this novel wonderfully! I felt so strongly how it was about shame, about hiding the parts of yourself that you feel that are wrong not only from others, but also from yourself and thus, not being able to connect freely. And also how that comes to be. In that regard I perceived it as very telling how David tried to show and receive affection with his father as a child but couldn't. This book crafted it's characters in such a psychologically realistic way that I, as a heterosexual white woman, found myself in the themes that bridge race, sexuality and gender. Still gotta process, just finished reading it.. what do we take away? I hope that one day I can love and receive love freely. As the hebrew name David does translate both as "lover" as well as "loved one".
Thanks for this Clifford - I've been humming and hawing about where to enter his work, and I think I'm going to try this one. Nice work, on both your parts. Appreciate your efforts.
I really enjoyed this novel. By chance, I read this just after I finished ‘All My Sons’ by Arthur Miller. And I think they both explore the crippling impact of holding secrets, and how they destroy relationships, and thus, our own souls. A wonderful 1-2 punch for exploring Post War America and the tension that simmers underneath the idyllic Suburban life that we often associate with that time.
Giovanni's Room is a short novel with which James Baldwin became quite well known. It's a literary gem, a nice and very praised book. It happens in Paris, where a group of artists are living their youth in a bohemian way. It's full of poetic feelings and keeps interest very well. It's about gay love, but also about friendship. Delicately treated, think everyone will like it. Very good Litarature. 💎🆗❤️👍🙏
If you haven't read/reviewed it already, I think you'd really like "Abel Sanchez" by Miguel de Unamuno. I just finished it and think its themes of envy, love, and hatred are very well done and overlap with some of your other interests. #suggestion !
So glad for this review, I've been meaning to prioritise Baldwin's works this year and I think I need to line this one up after I'm done with Notes of a Native Son
I loved Baldwin first novel Go Tell it on the Mountain. I found this book difficult going and couldn't get into it and gave up on it. I'll have to revisit it later and it may all click.
I recently today finished the book and this is my first James Baldwin book, I love this book it's beautiful and very real as you said. I feel like I would approach to a James Baldwin book later in life but luckily I was able to read one thanks to my English teacher in banned books!! I'm so happy to read it, I felt the emotions, the damage each character went through and as you said reading it like if it was a movie. I imagined every scene, their voice and how nicely it flows in my mind. I'm young I'm only 17 soon turning 18 but I love your advise and I would definitely use it, thank you this is my first time and I would love to read more books from James Baldwin or many other authors like him as well checking out the ones you mentioned. again if anyone wants to recommend me some books like this or other genre pls do so!! thank you!!
Thank you for talking about one of my favorite novels of all time so eloquently, Clifford. I will remember your words if I ever get a chance to step into my Giovanni's room.
Giovanni's Room is undoubtedly my favorite book by James Baldwin, and I really love all his novels and essays. However, I would suggest that you read "Another Country", the book that followed Giovanni's Room in 1962, where he does tackle the issues of race and sexuality (among many other things). I think that book incorporates a lot of what Baldwin was working on throughout his six novels into one. I cannot remember where exactly, but I read in a biography or an essay about James Baldwin where they said "Critics searched in Baldwin realist fiction, what he gave them was parable in form of confession." and I love that. I think it is particularly so in Giovanni's Room.
13:50 I am in my 20s and I've had my Giovanni's room, but I cheated in the end bc I can't express my feeling of how Jealous I am with my ex's ex I was indeed living, I was loved but the fear of being a rebound and invaulueable was stronger I was loved by my ex I miss her room and our cat after 5 month of breakup I can't believe I stumbled upon this advice from you just because I just read Giovanni's Room I relate a lot with David too, except I'm a sapphic haha.. a lot of shame I need to process
I am extremely impressed with this review of Baldwin and this book. I have not read Giovanni's Rooms (yet) but I am a student of Baldwin and I have read The Fire Next Time, the Devil Finds Work, and Nobody Knows my Name. Thank you for this review. I will now go to my local books store (Marcus Bookstore in Oakland, CA) and purchase it to read. I am also subscribing to this channel. Looking forward to seeing reviews of other books. Does anyone know if he has reviewed The Alchemist?
I don't remember how I learned about this book, But i checked it out of my college's library in late 22' and it went back and forth from there multiple times because I never got around to reading it. Then, now, I finally did. It was the most grueling book I've ever read, because I related to David's struggle so much. Not literally, but his inner psyche and monologues about his mental state were very relatable. I feel a lot of revulsion at myself and others, and it was unsettling to see my very thoughts printed on page. 9/10. I just wish it were a little longer, as Giovanni's crime and death came far too quick for my taste.
Time flies. But if you are lucky enough to live long then you also have the responsibility to steer clear away from self hatred and pity. People will always advise about how time flies but no one is bold enough to accept that life has beauty, love, happiness (not the cliched cookie cut ones but real joy. That must drive you forward always don't listen to people who say age and time is gone forever. Yes youth is a lucky time but the remaining part becomes unbearable because we haven't had the courage and hard work to explore other ages, dimensions and people in life. Don't be scared of old age you only need some medical insurance, savings and a mind to learn more. Enjoy life. Every age every moment.
good book! was my first step into Baldwin. Have you considered Garielle Lutz (formerly Gary Lutz) new book Worsted for a review? Its weird. good weird. weird in a way that more people need to confront.
In much the same way Genet is not just not this or that. Both authors understand politics and how it pervades all levels of society often through the prism of love, through self empowerment, not shame.
You might also want to read Baldwin's NOTHING PERSONAL which Beacon Press recently reissued (for the first time without Baldwin's high-school bestie, Richard Avedon, having the photos in it!) and which is the non-fiction equal of GIOVANNI'S ROOM.
Oh Cliff, yesterday I should have taken your advice. I had a hospital appointment . I assumed I would be seen straight away, but I had to wait for over a hour. I forgot to follow your maxim , "Alway take a book" . I just sat around looking at the other patients. Very boring.
Hello sir. I would like to know if you can buy and review a book that I personally wrote. I published it on Amazon and I am a first time author. I am just starting to get into writing.
He should have made more of an effort with Hella. Or at least dominated his passions (however you want to look at it). Giovanni was a dead end. I used to like Baldwin when I was younger. I adored Another Country, but now see the flaws in his worldview.
Where did you find Baldwin saying that homosexuality wasn´t the main thing? David is quite mentally screwed up. I wonder how much of that is due to his struggles with his own sexual identity, and how much of it is because that´s the kind of person he is. Obviously lack of acceptance of sexual identity is a big theme, but I think Baldwin was trying to show us a type of personality also. Many people live in self-denial, David´s a prime example.
Big thanks to Ridge for sending me this wallet and supporting the channel! Here’s the site if you want to check them out! > ridge.com/BETTERTHANFOOD
I need your help sir. Can you please help me?
This was my first Baldwin and I loved it. Nowadays, fiction, in practically all formats, is pushing for representation of minorities, but very often does it poorly. It’s like they’re checking a box. This book actually shows gay men whose lives are deeply affected by their sexuality, but not entirety defined by it. They read as real, interesting, engaging people. Also, the prose is great. Baldwin had a beautiful and approachable style that makes his books flow effortlessly despite the complexity of the themes, symbols and motifs. If you haven’t read Giovanni’s Room, don’t waste any more of time - just read it.
Agree with each word.
Strongly agree.
I highly recommend checking out Another Country! It's my favourite Baldwin hands down
@@billybigbollox5908 haven’t tried that one yet, I will add it to the list.
i had to keep reminding myself that this was written in the 50's. it feels so timeless and i wonder how people responded after reading it at the time it was published
It really felt as if I was watching a film rather than just reading the book. And in a good way, too. The writing is evocative and visceral. Equally amazing is your review. Thank you 😊
giovannis room is my overall favorite book. It took my breath away while reading it, just beautiful
I adore this book; it was one of the most important books I read when I came out aged 16 and it made me feel something powerful. It spoke to me, and it revealed a lot to me about myself, especially about shame. Before I was honest with myself and others about my sexuality, shame was the only thing I felt about my existence. When I was young, the word gay only ever had negative connotations when people said it. But as I came out, and got older, I refused to feel shame. Baldwin inspired me to no longer hide and no longer feel that shame about who I am as a person. I am glad you enjoyed this novel, anything by Baldwin is amazing. The spiritual successor to “Giovanni’s Room” is “Another Country”, his third novel. I think you would love the portrayal of New York through Baldwin’s eyes.
I am an English major and have been out of school for about 5 years now, and hearing you speak about this book scratched an itch in my heart and my soul that I didn't know needed scratching. I could listen to you talk about books for hours, especially this one. I just finished it this morning and needed someone to talk to about it, but since none of my friends have read it, this satisfied my need for wanting to explore the themes and uncover those metaphors that I feel like I missed. Thank you endlessly for this video! You're such an incredible speaker and I loved your views on this novel!
That was pretty interesting. I've always struggled with affection and care, given the way I was raised. I've hardly received any of both from my parents, so I grew up without knowing how to love or be kind towards someone else, But that is something I'm trying to change and, as you said, not going the other way when the door opens. God bless, man. Grettings from Brazil.
Great review, this was my first Baldwin. It really moved me, it lingered in my thoughts long after I had turned the last page. It's up there in my top books of all time.
OH WOW. It's my favourite book of all time and I remember ages ago when I recommended that to you when you posed a question on Instagram. So your review is happening, yess!
My favorite all time book and author. Thank you for your work man! I love your channel.
Watching this to refresh my memory before my final tomorrow, thank you for the great video
Classic! Please do more African American novels. Invisible Man, Beloved, Native Son, Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community
Outstanding review, Cliff. I'd recommend If Beale Street Could Talk as your next foray into Baldwin - another take on "sophisticated tragedy". It's a story about real love opening the door, as you say at the end, and the characters defiantly, doggedly fighting to keep that door open.
Hi Cliff - just finished it and loved it. Hearing you talk about it, though. made me think we read two different books. I think Baldwin could say it wasn't strictly speakiing a gay novel because he couldn't imagine what life would become for LGBTQ people in the 35+ years since he's died. As a 73 yo lesbian I remember well the atmosphere of the gay bars and life of shame and secrecy that Baldwin describes and which David is both attracted to and repelled by. David's problem wasn't just not being good at relationships, which is certainly universal. He lied all the time to everyone and every lie was a betrayal. I didn't see Giovanni's room as a place of freedom and love, as you did. I experienced it as toxic and claustrophobic. It was a place where lies grew unchallenged. I didn't buy at all that he would always love Giovanni. That was no doubt comforting when he said that to himself, but it was easy and cheap and another lie. I totally agree that the writing is gorgeous. Paragraphs took my breath away and I had to stop and reread the section or paragraph.
Baldwin is one of my all time favourites authors, so excited to see you reviewing him!
Would've loved to sit and speak to the man, seems like a refined gentleman ...oh and awesome break down of the book sir...
I just added this to my TBR the other day. I finished Go Tell it on the Mountain, and enjoyed the way he wrote. I want to read Notes from a Native Son, as well.
I can’t believe I woke up and read the title of this video. My copy came in the mail yesterday and I just started reading it
You put the main themes of this novel wonderfully! I felt so strongly how it was about shame, about hiding the parts of yourself that you feel that are wrong not only from others, but also from yourself and thus, not being able to connect freely. And also how that comes to be. In that regard I perceived it as very telling how David tried to show and receive affection with his father as a child but couldn't. This book crafted it's characters in such a psychologically realistic way that I, as a heterosexual white woman, found myself in the themes that bridge race, sexuality and gender.
Still gotta process, just finished reading it.. what do we take away? I hope that one day I can love and receive love freely. As the hebrew name David does translate both as "lover" as well as "loved one".
13:17 wow this line about time was said so well, love this!
I've never read anything by Baldwin that wasn't superior work. I recommend his novel Another Country. Always better than food!
As my first Baldwin, this was fantastic. Thank you
My favourite book by Baldwin, absolutely loved it.
This Reviewer is Fantastic. Charming and Balanced and Vibrant.
Thanks for this Clifford - I've been humming and hawing about where to enter his work, and I think I'm going to try this one. Nice work, on both your parts. Appreciate your efforts.
I love your concluding remarks. Cheers.
God damn Cliff, this review is fantastic. Your closing advice is spot on. Just read Giovanni’s Room and also loved it. Better than food 100%
Woah! So glad I found this channel.
Read this book a year ago. A 7/10. But James Baldwin is amazing, I always love listening to him speak.
I really enjoyed this novel. By chance, I read this just after I finished ‘All My Sons’ by Arthur Miller. And I think they both explore the crippling impact of holding secrets, and how they destroy relationships, and thus, our own souls.
A wonderful 1-2 punch for exploring Post War America and the tension that simmers underneath the idyllic Suburban life that we often associate with that time.
The name you pulled from the jar being David was too perfect haha
Giovanni's Room is a short novel with which James Baldwin became quite well known. It's a literary gem, a nice and very praised book. It happens in Paris, where a group of artists are living their youth in a bohemian way. It's full of poetic feelings and keeps interest very well. It's about gay love, but also about friendship. Delicately treated, think everyone will like it. Very good Litarature. 💎🆗❤️👍🙏
Literally was torn between reading "givanni's" or "As i lay dying" decided on As i lay dying since you reviewed it. Now i don't know what to buy again
Well this will be my favorite book because it made me discover your channel
If you haven't read/reviewed it already, I think you'd really like "Abel Sanchez" by Miguel de Unamuno. I just finished it and think its themes of envy, love, and hatred are very well done and overlap with some of your other interests. #suggestion !
He did... 3 years ago... The video is still available on his channel.
Very concise explanation of the book ! You brought up a different perspective but nonetheless plausible.
Thank you!
Fantastic video. I just finished this book and I enjoyed your thoughts, thank you.
So glad for this review, I've been meaning to prioritise Baldwin's works this year and I think I need to line this one up after I'm done with Notes of a Native Son
I loved Baldwin first novel Go Tell it on the Mountain. I found this book difficult going and couldn't get into it and gave up on it. I'll have to revisit it later and it may all click.
I recently today finished the book and this is my first James Baldwin book, I love this book it's beautiful and very real as you said. I feel like I would approach to a James Baldwin book later in life but luckily I was able to read one thanks to my English teacher in banned books!! I'm so happy to read it, I felt the emotions, the damage each character went through and as you said reading it like if it was a movie. I imagined every scene, their voice and how nicely it flows in my mind. I'm young I'm only 17 soon turning 18 but I love your advise and I would definitely use it, thank you this is my first time and I would love to read more books from James Baldwin or many other authors like him as well checking out the ones you mentioned. again if anyone wants to recommend me some books like this or other genre pls do so!! thank you!!
Absolutely great review. Thank you so much.
Really enjoyed that sincere piece of wisdom/advice at the end, keep it up
Great review 👍🏼👍🏼
Thank you for talking about one of my favorite novels of all time so eloquently, Clifford. I will remember your words if I ever get a chance to step into my Giovanni's room.
wonderful review - thank you!
Masterful choice, please keep up the good work sir, always an improved Monday when I log on see a new review, many many thanks.
Great review, the theme about time and growing older and not recognizing yourself is too true
Goddammit Cliff I'm so glad I found this channel
I love coffee too! Thanks for the review.
Giovanni's Room is undoubtedly my favorite book by James Baldwin, and I really love all his novels and essays. However, I would suggest that you read "Another Country", the book that followed Giovanni's Room in 1962, where he does tackle the issues of race and sexuality (among many other things). I think that book incorporates a lot of what Baldwin was working on throughout his six novels into one.
I cannot remember where exactly, but I read in a biography or an essay about James Baldwin where they said "Critics searched in Baldwin realist fiction, what he gave them was parable in form of confession." and I love that. I think it is particularly so in Giovanni's Room.
13:50 I am in my 20s and I've had my Giovanni's room, but I cheated in the end bc I can't express my feeling of how Jealous I am with my ex's ex
I was indeed living, I was loved
but the fear of being a rebound and invaulueable was stronger
I was loved by my ex
I miss her room and our cat after 5 month of breakup
I can't believe I stumbled upon this advice from you just because I just read Giovanni's Room
I relate a lot with David too, except I'm a sapphic haha.. a lot of shame I need to process
Beautiful review, man. Made me pick it up from my shelf immediately. Great read!
I am extremely impressed with this review of Baldwin and this book. I have not read Giovanni's Rooms (yet) but I am a student of Baldwin and I have read The Fire Next Time, the Devil Finds Work, and Nobody Knows my Name. Thank you for this review. I will now go to my local books store (Marcus Bookstore in Oakland, CA) and purchase it to read. I am also subscribing to this channel. Looking forward to seeing reviews of other books. Does anyone know if he has reviewed The Alchemist?
I don't remember how I learned about this book, But i checked it out of my college's library in late 22' and it went back and forth from there multiple times because I never got around to reading it. Then, now, I finally did. It was the most grueling book I've ever read, because I related to David's struggle so much. Not literally, but his inner psyche and monologues about his mental state were very relatable. I feel a lot of revulsion at myself and others, and it was unsettling to see my very thoughts printed on page. 9/10. I just wish it were a little longer, as Giovanni's crime and death came far too quick for my taste.
Time flies. But if you are lucky enough to live long then you also have the responsibility to steer clear away from self hatred and pity. People will always advise about how time flies but no one is bold enough to accept that life has beauty, love, happiness (not the cliched cookie cut ones but real joy. That must drive you forward always don't listen to people who say age and time is gone forever. Yes youth is a lucky time but the remaining part becomes unbearable because we haven't had the courage and hard work to explore other ages, dimensions and people in life. Don't be scared of old age you only need some medical insurance, savings and a mind to learn more. Enjoy life. Every age every moment.
I've known for a while that I should read Baldwin. I haven't gotten around to his work.
good book! was my first step into Baldwin. Have you considered Garielle Lutz (formerly Gary Lutz) new book Worsted for a review? Its weird. good weird. weird in a way that more people need to confront.
Team Aluminum - Navy! 🙌
Brother!
I love Baldwin’s work and this is excellent, comparable to Camus in my opinion. The tragedy within the ordinary world.
Excellent review!!!!
Great review. I loved this one too.
But everybody actually calls it Giorgio's room.
Great review
This book is so good! It was triggering at times but overall I loved it
In much the same way Genet is not just not this or that. Both authors understand politics and how it pervades all levels of society often through the prism of love, through self empowerment, not shame.
david winning giovanni's room is very fitting
Great video!
You might also want to read Baldwin's NOTHING PERSONAL which Beacon Press recently reissued (for the first time without Baldwin's high-school bestie, Richard Avedon, having the photos in it!) and which is the non-fiction equal of GIOVANNI'S ROOM.
Go Tell it On The Mountain is very good
Oh Cliff, yesterday I should have taken your advice. I had a hospital appointment . I assumed I would be seen straight away, but I had to wait for over a hour. I forgot to follow your maxim , "Alway take a book" . I just sat around looking at the other patients. Very boring.
If they let u have ur phone youtube has audio books
Hello sir. I would like to know if you can buy and review a book that I personally wrote. I published it on Amazon and I am a first time author. I am just starting to get into writing.
He should have made more of an effort with Hella. Or at least dominated his passions (however you want to look at it). Giovanni was a dead end.
I used to like Baldwin when I was younger. I adored Another Country, but now see the flaws in his worldview.
Can someone write those authors are similar to Baldwin? Thank you
You look good in grey
April In Paris Sammy Davis.
I just read Go Tell It On The Mountain and jesus, what an incredibly depressing book. I love James Baldwin's philosophy and prose.
Clifford's clean shaven?
is there any books that similar to this?
I found it a bit similar to No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai
Where did you find Baldwin saying that homosexuality wasn´t the main thing? David is quite mentally screwed up. I wonder how much of that is due to his struggles with his own sexual identity, and how much of it is because that´s the kind of person he is. Obviously lack of acceptance of sexual identity is a big theme, but I think Baldwin was trying to show us a type of personality also. Many people live in self-denial, David´s a prime example.
But why do you read in fingerless gloves
I had a hard time connecting with any characters. I know this was written in the 50s, but the heavy misogynistic tones made me hate the book.