An American Marriage, written by Tayari Jones, is an emotionally charged novel that follows the lives of Celestial and Roy, a newlywed African-American couple living in Atlanta, Georgia.
It is a story of love, injustice, and loyalty, as their marriage is tested when Roy is wrongfully accused of a crime and sent to prison. Through intimate character portraits and a deep exploration of race and justice in America, An American Marriage is a powerful and moving story.
Plot Summary
An American Marriage begins with an idyllic wedding, as Celestial and Roy, two young African-Americans, embark on their life together in Atlanta. Their love for each other is strong, and the two are very much in love.
However, a few years later, Roy is wrongfully accused of a crime and sent to prison. During the years Roy is imprisoned, Celestial and Roy’s relationship is tested.
They remain loyal to each other, but their lives start to move in different directions as they both try to cope with the injustice that has befallen them.
Characters
The novel focuses on two main characters: Celestial and Roy. Celestial is an artist who is deeply in love with Roy. She is independent, determined, and loyal. Roy is a successful businessman who is wrongfully accused of a crime.
He is loving and supportive, and stands by Celestial throughout the story. Other characters in the novel include Andre, Celestial’s childhood friend who she finds comfort in during Roy’s imprisonment, and Mrs. Wright, Roy’s mother who stands by her son in the face of injustice.
Themes
An American Marriage is a story about love, loyalty, and justice. It is a powerful exploration of race and injustice in America, and how love and loyalty can be tested by the realities of life.
Jones’s characters grapple with the unfairness of the justice system, and the strength of love and loyalty in the face of injustice.
Conclusion
An American Marriage is a powerful and moving story that is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers. It is an intimate exploration of love, loyalty, and justice, and it is an important piece of literature that should not be overlooked.
