Giovanni's Room (1956)

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by James Baldwin



A young American in Paris is tortured by his sexual desire for men and his conflicting belief that he should live a conventional heteronormative life.

 


James Baldwin was castigated by many in the black community for this exploration of social isolation and closeted homosexuality that seemed like such an abrupt departure from his earlier, powerful explorations of the black experience.

 

James Baldwin


His publisher told him he should burn the book because it would destroy his career.

 


Nevertheless, he bravely persevered, and today it is deservedly recognized as a classic work that explores the deep fear that can arise from conflicts between identity and social pressure as well as the utter, soul-destroying desolation that can be the result.



"Giovanni's Room" (German)

"Giovanni's Room" (Portuguese)

"Giovanni's Room" (French)

"Room in Paris" (Finnish)

"Giovanni's Room" (Turkish)

"Giovanni's Room" (Dutch)

"Giovanni's Room" (Italian)

"Giovanni's Room" (Croatian)

"My Giovanni" (Polish)

"Giovanni's Room" (Bulgarian)

"Giovanni's Room" (Latvian)



"Giovanni's Room" (Chinese)

"Giovanni's Room" (Greek)

"Giovanni's Room" (Serbian)

"Giovanni's Room" (Russian)

"Giovanni's Room" (Swedish)

"Giovanni's Room" (Hebrew)


"Giovanni's Room" (Korean)

"Giovanni's Room" (Thai)

"Giovanni's Room" (Vietnamese)

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