Last updated on October 6, 2020
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones tells the story of Celestial, Ron and Andre. Celestial and Ron are only married a year and a half when a lie tears them apart. After more years apart than together, can their marriage survive?
While Ron is gone, the world carries on. Celestial continues to build her business, one where she sells dolls, many of which look like Ron. Andre, Celestial’s best friend, and Ron’s friend is there to help Celestial through the difficult times. Olive and Big Ron, Ron’s parents are steadfast in their support of him. Celestial’s parents use their wealth to try to help Ron by paying for a close family friend, Uncle Banks, to represent him and fight for his release.
An American Marriage tells the story of two generations. Both Celestial and Ron’s parents had an unconventional start to creating a marriage and family, but have firm opinions on their children’s marriage.
The story explores the nature of love, affection and marriage. The characters grapple with the difficult questions of what makes a marriage or a relationship. The story explores how love can change and grow based on the circumstances, and shows that it can transcend biology. Yet, there is something about biological relationships that gives them the ability to draw us in when we need some help. Underlying the whole story is injustice and class differences, the story of danger faced by black people, particularly black men, in America.
Final Verdict
An American Marriage kept me interested. While I didn’t find the characters to be particularly likeable, I did find them to be well developed, with emotional depth. Roy, Celestial and Andre all play a part in telling their story. Roy is the most well developed and Andre the least. This makes sense because Rob is the one who has the least control of his life for several years but the most affected by events. In many ways, he’s stuck in the past and waiting to resume his life. Although he changed over the years, he didn’t have a chance to change with the people he loves and with the world.
An American Marriage tells a sad story of how injustices in society can incarcerate a black man and the ripple effects this has on him and his family. The effects occur throughout his incarceration and extend into the years beyond.
We see the characters struggle with the curveballs that life throws them. They face difficult choices and they grapple with their options. The choices are impossible and there are no winners or losers. Everyone is doing their best to survive, aiming for happiness.
I give An American Marriage four stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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