11th Sep, 2020: Some books blur the line between fiction and reality. They make you think hard and compel you to be in the shoes of the characters of the story, to live their lives. No matter how much you try to reason that it is just a fiction, you can't help but ask yourself-"What I would have done if this was my story?"

An American Marriage is one such story. Even after hours of finishing it, I can't help but think of all the things that Celestial did in the novel and what I would have done if I was in her shoes. And that's a sign of good writing. This story, as the title indicates, is about a married couple, Roy and Celestial, and the way their lives changes, along with their long-term friend Andre, after Roy was sent to jail for 5 years because of a false rape charge.

The main characters—Roy, Celestial and Andre—weren't likeable at all. They took some worst decisions but despite this, I wasn't able to hate them? I understood the decisions they took because of love, the mistake they made because of love. "Love is the enemy of sound judgement" and all the three characters showed this. You can hate them, but in the end, you can't help but keep nodding at the turns the story took.

Celestial is a kind of women who wants love but doesn't want to be 'tied'-"It was a wonderful feeling to be grown and yet young. To be married but not settled. To be tied down yet free." Her marriage to Roy was still new, only one and a half year down the lane, and she couldn't decide what to do after Roy went to jail. We see a strong woman in her, a woman who wants to take lead in her life, a woman who wants to make a name for herself. During a scene someone asks Roy, why Celestial hadn't mentioned his name as part of her success, I couldn't help but think- why men always need credit for women's success?

This story also highlights an important point- you can't escape your origins. Roy grew up in a small town but he always dreamt about living in a big city. He makes a big life for himself there. But he later realises, no matter how far you reach, you can't escape your "family and native land".

And when you are a black man in America, you have only a little luck on your side. "That's your fate as a black man. Carried by six or judged by twelve." There is a question at the end of the book in discussion section-"do you think that the woman, who was supposedly raped by Roy, was white?" and I think my answer would be yes. The author didn't mention the race of the woman in the book but is it too hard to imagine? I might be wrong, but Black man and people of color are always an easy target. And this story of Roy and Celestial is proof of the way these false convictions destroys black families.

There is so much more to say about this book but I think I am still struggling with my words. In the end, I would say that read this story of love and dreams and the decisions people make to survive. And after you finish reading this book, do not forget to read the author's notes and highlights on Goodreads.

27th August, 2020: I loved the book (besides some minor issues). The writing is wonderful and I am filled with emotions.
It is definitely more than 4 stars, probably 4.5. Will post a full review soon. Buddy read with amazing Kate

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