One of my book groups chose If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin for our book to read in October. The book was written in 1974 and is probably considered a classic, and it should be. It is beautifully written and is a good example of how a short book can tell a great story.
The story is about Tish, a nineteen year old black girl, in love with Fonny, an artist/sculptor. Tish became pregnant and the couple planned to marry. Their plans were thwarted when Fonny was falsely accused and prisoned for raping a woman. Tish and Fonny's families began planning how they could get Fonny free, including hiring an attorney and stealing in order to pay for the attorney, and Fonny's mother traveling to Puerto Rico to confront the woman who falsely accused Fonny.
The story is tragic, yet the families survive and hope lives. It's a wonderful love story in its own way. The ending confused me a bit, but that's my issue. I like cleaner endings and that's not always the best way to tell a story.
No comments:
Post a Comment