Wow, David. I was looking for your latest poem and happened upon this, which I had somehow missed earlier. Your essay has triggered many memories and inspired me to read this novel again. Thank you for writing this.
Thank you for reading Andrew. If a conversation about the great 20th century writer of literary fiction comes up I will not and cannot take it seriously if James Baldwin is not in that conversation. An intellect, poet and raw and unabridged communicator of the great American saga. A gift and unique talent unmatched for eternity. James Baldwin, a maestro among maestros.
My first experience of Baldwin was ‘Another World’. I couldn’t believe a writer could be so emotionally honest on the page, so angry, so visceral. I immediately read ‘Go Tell It To The Mountain’ and knew then he was a spectacular writer. Haven’t read Giovanni’s Room but that opening page is fabulous. It’s up next.
Nice to connect with people who appreciate everything I also love about Baldwin. You will really enjoy this book I think, please let me know your thoughts once you have read, and enjoy more of the master at work, Indra :)
I’m a screenwriter by training (because I didn’t think I had the skills to be a novelist). In 2018 I finally got around to reading some of the great names I had never managed to get around to. In quick succession I read Baldwin, Bellow, Steinbeck, Proulx, Bukowski and realised that my kind of fiction did exist, that it was possible to write the things I want to write, the way I want to write them. I started a novel that year and have been working on it ever since. All because of Baldwin et al.
I’ve toyed with the idea of serialising the novel, not sure exactly how to go about it... still figuring it out. But also gestating what else I can publish here that people would enjoy and connect with. Soon I hope.
Indra, so much like you I felt these things, books also helped me to find a voice. And I enjoy so many of the writers you mention, John Fante is another literary fiction novelist I think you'd like. Keep writing, and do share your words on Substack when ready, I'm sure you will write something raw and compelling.
That was exquisite. Thank you for your poignant insight and thoughts. I have yet get acquainted with Baldwin's work more intimately, but now I want to even more!
Love Baldwin but actually haven't read Giovanni's Room just yet! Headed to Paris soon so perhaps I'll have to pick up a copy. Have you read Salter's "A Sport and a Pastime"? Also an expat read with so much ambiance.
Great to meet a Baldwin fan - his words move me. I haven't checked it out but I love an expat story, so will certainly be giving it a read, thank you for the suggestion Alicia. Be sure to visit the Shakespeare and Co bookstore on the left bank, I met the previous owner there once, George Whitman - fascinating place, full of amazing history bookworms will love :) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Whitman
I met him in person just before his passing, he took over the bookstore way back when the Beat Generation started to come over to hang out. So much history and a perfect spot for expats and locals to come together, I miss Paris :)
Wow, David. I was looking for your latest poem and happened upon this, which I had somehow missed earlier. Your essay has triggered many memories and inspired me to read this novel again. Thank you for writing this.
Thank you for reading Andrew. If a conversation about the great 20th century writer of literary fiction comes up I will not and cannot take it seriously if James Baldwin is not in that conversation. An intellect, poet and raw and unabridged communicator of the great American saga. A gift and unique talent unmatched for eternity. James Baldwin, a maestro among maestros.
Roger that, David!
Beautiful piece. I must admit I hadn't heard of Baldwin, but my ignorance is no more and I'll find a copy of this book.
Thank you so much, excited to hear how you find his work Reneee :)
My first experience of Baldwin was ‘Another World’. I couldn’t believe a writer could be so emotionally honest on the page, so angry, so visceral. I immediately read ‘Go Tell It To The Mountain’ and knew then he was a spectacular writer. Haven’t read Giovanni’s Room but that opening page is fabulous. It’s up next.
Nice to connect with people who appreciate everything I also love about Baldwin. You will really enjoy this book I think, please let me know your thoughts once you have read, and enjoy more of the master at work, Indra :)
I’m a screenwriter by training (because I didn’t think I had the skills to be a novelist). In 2018 I finally got around to reading some of the great names I had never managed to get around to. In quick succession I read Baldwin, Bellow, Steinbeck, Proulx, Bukowski and realised that my kind of fiction did exist, that it was possible to write the things I want to write, the way I want to write them. I started a novel that year and have been working on it ever since. All because of Baldwin et al.
I’ve toyed with the idea of serialising the novel, not sure exactly how to go about it... still figuring it out. But also gestating what else I can publish here that people would enjoy and connect with. Soon I hope.
Indra, so much like you I felt these things, books also helped me to find a voice. And I enjoy so many of the writers you mention, John Fante is another literary fiction novelist I think you'd like. Keep writing, and do share your words on Substack when ready, I'm sure you will write something raw and compelling.
Likewise, I look forward to discussing more great literature with you, David.
That was exquisite. Thank you for your poignant insight and thoughts. I have yet get acquainted with Baldwin's work more intimately, but now I want to even more!
Such kind words Nadia and so much appreciated, Baldwin moves us all it seems :)
Love Baldwin but actually haven't read Giovanni's Room just yet! Headed to Paris soon so perhaps I'll have to pick up a copy. Have you read Salter's "A Sport and a Pastime"? Also an expat read with so much ambiance.
Great to meet a Baldwin fan - his words move me. I haven't checked it out but I love an expat story, so will certainly be giving it a read, thank you for the suggestion Alicia. Be sure to visit the Shakespeare and Co bookstore on the left bank, I met the previous owner there once, George Whitman - fascinating place, full of amazing history bookworms will love :) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Whitman
LOVE Shakespeare & Co!! Know nothing about George Whitman, will study up now. :)
I met him in person just before his passing, he took over the bookstore way back when the Beat Generation started to come over to hang out. So much history and a perfect spot for expats and locals to come together, I miss Paris :)
Excellent.
Thank you for your kind words and time on the page Joanne, as always :)
Beautiful opening to a wonderful novel. Fantastic summary
Thank you so much!
I love this piece on James Baldwin❤️ have recently read Giovanni’s Room - brilliant book!
Thank you Tuygun it's such a heartbreaker of a novel, and so rich in style :)