by Trianne Harabedian
Every so often, I get to be the first person at Lemuria to read a book that I know is going to be wonderful.
I jumped on our advanced reader copy of An American Marriage by Tayari Jones because I had seen it advertised everywhere. The story looked intriguing, the blue and golden cover is gorgeous, and I was excited. Then the news came out that Oprah had picked it for her book club, so the attention on this novel and Tayari Jones skyrocketed. And as someone who read the book *before it was cool*, I’m here to tell you that it is absolutely worth the hype.
Told from all three perspectives, the story of Celestial, Roy, and Andre is complicated. Celestial and Roy are still in the honeymoon phase of their marriage when Roy is arrested and sent to prison. Everyone knows he didn’t commit the crime. But as a black man in a legal system overrun with stereotypes, he is sentenced to twelve years even without solid evidence. As Roy mourns the loss of his whole life, Celestial turns her pain into artistic, handcrafted dolls. Letters keep the couple close at first, but life moves on quickly. And whenever Celestial needs support, her childhood friend, Andre, is there.
Celestial, Roy, Andre, and their stories captured my heart. But the storytelling stole my breath. Tayari Jones’s writing moves like a river, hurrying readers along with little effort on their part. It feels simplistic and uncomplicated, yet the undercurrents of the story are incredibly complex and the writing itself holds the reader afloat with invisible strength. I loved the way the novel focuses on the characters themselves, on their inner thoughts and feelings and turmoil. The plot progresses gently, so I wanted to know what would happen but was more caught up in emotions.
It would have been easy for Tayari Jones to turn this novel into political propaganda in hopes of making a point or benefiting from the current political climate. Instead, this is a story about people. While their backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses are important, they are simply part of the larger tale. And instead of focusing on the developing love triangle, this is a story about families and the ripple effects of injustice and tragedy.
This novel went beyond my expectations. Complex characters, beautiful writing, and a story with just enough ebb and flow, Tayari Jones and An American Marriage certainly deserve all of the publicity and praise.
Tayari Jones will be at Lemuria on Monday, February 26, at 5:00 p.m. to sign and read from An American Marriage. An American Marriage is the February 2018 selection for Lemuria’s First Editions Club for Fiction.
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