An American Marriage (Oprah's Book Club): A Novel

The feelings that surround the love story and marriage of Roy and Celestial is a inner conflict that resonates across so many backstories. At first, I was disappointed with the lack of depth of the narrations on the chapters as you got to hear the sides of Roy, Celestial and Andre but then I was really happy the author didn't drive my perspective and final thoughts. The emotions run high in all the characters as they try to ration their new realities and justice in the unjust but I think that is what makes this book so much better is that just let you bring it all back to the core of the story, the relationship and people.

I wasn’t hooked from the start and paused part way through but overall it was an easy read. I found Celeste annoying, spoilt & irritating flitting between the two men! I have no doubt that the wrongful arrest & conviction is indicative of real life in America (& beyond) and racial issues that exist. I might be tempted to read more by this author but need a break from an American-based novel as the cultural differences, language and setting are quite different to ours so perhaps difficult to relate to. I have just read prior to this ‘All American Boys’ which deals with racism & police brutality in America so that might have been why I struggled a little given similar themes. Overall a readable and somewhat believable story with interesting characters but not necessarily likeable ones!

This book allows you to really think from different perspectives and to see sometimes no one is right and no one is wrong. It just is what it is

Excellent book!

Loved that this book explored the ramifications of wrongful convictions and how failures of the justice system impart all involved parties. An American Marriage takes readers through a journey of unraveling that was captivating. I couldn’t put this book down.