An American Marriage

Hello, Fellow Readers!

I just finished the book An American Marriage by Tayari Jones.

This was actually one of Oprah’s Book Club reads in 2018…I started it three times and just could not get into it. So Friday night I decided to give it one more try and I was HOOKED! Finished it in three days.

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. While visiting Roy’s parents in their small Louisiana town, Roy is arrested and sentenced to 12 years in prison for a crime he did not 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 book is NOT a who-done-it or a what-really-happened the night of Roy’s arrest. The “court scene” is brief due to it not being the focus of the book. The book is focused on the couple’s relationship and when faced with being 12 years apart…how does a couple to stay together? How do you continue to love each other from afar (500 miles and one in prison)? As a wife are you expected to stay with a husband until “death do us part?” As a husband, should you expect your wife to put things on pause or slow down life while you are away or do you let her go and support/encourage her from behind bars? 

Once Celestial’s and Roy’s relationship is somewhat “decided” (without being said directly but more with actions) Roy surprisingly is released from jail in 5 years. So the questions becomes…now what…

The character development is amazing. You understand the point of view of Celestial and why she is doing what she is doing to keep her life going. You also understand why Roy has hope. Then you get mad at Celestial for her actions and not understanding. Then you get mad at Roy for his actions and not understanding. It’s all the emotions.

It’s not an action book, but definitely a great story.

5 out of 5 stars