48 pages • 1 hour read
Another Country
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Book Brief
448
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1950s
1962
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Another Country by James Baldwin, published in 1962, explores the intertwined lives of individuals in 1950s New York City, focusing on issues of race, sexuality, and human vulnerability. Rufus Scott, a destitute African American jazz musician, struggles with severe personal and societal issues, impacting those around him, including Vivaldo, Cass, Richard, Ida, and Eric, whose relationships reveal complex intersections of love, betrayal, and identity. This book contains sensitive topics including racial discrimination, physical abuse, and suicidal ideation.
Melancholic
Emotional
Gritty
Mysterious
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
31,010 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
James Baldwin's Another Country receives acclaim for its powerful exploration of race, sexuality, and identity. Critics praise the depth of Baldwin's characters and his poignant prose. However, some note the narrative can feel fragmented and intense due to its emotional weight. Overall, it’s lauded for its daring social commentary and profound impact.
Who Should Read Another Country?
A reader who would enjoy Another Country by James Baldwin is typically captivated by profound explorations of race, sexuality, and social dynamics. Fans of works like Giovanni's Room or Invisible Man will appreciate Baldwin's raw, lyrical prose and his incisive examination of human relationships and societal constraints.
31,010 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
448
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1950s
1962
Adult
18+ years
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