AN AMERICAN MARRIAGE

by Tayari Jones
 
I picked this book up because it had received so much good press and it was an Oprah’s Book Club 2018 selection.  (I’m not going to lie:  I find I like most of the books that Oprah recommends.)  An American Marriage begins with the story of Andre, a successful, young, black business executive and Celestial, an up-and-coming artist.  Their lives get shattered when Andre is convicted of a rape and sentenced to 12 years in prison.  The bulk of the book deals with how each of them survives Andre’s incarceration.  Ultimately, their marriage dissolves and Celestial moves in with Andre’s best friend.  The story is gut-wrenching and dark.  Jones has been lauded for her storytelling.  I found myself depressed while I read it and depressed when I finished.  I don’t need “happy” from a book – but I need some relief at some point.  For that reason, An American Marriage was Not My Cup of Tea. (Liz)