I've been meaning to read Giovanni's Room for a very long time. I distinctly remember mentally adding it to my TBR pile while reading John Irving's [b:In One Person|12758317|In One Person|John Irving|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1379313446s/12758317.jpg|17893276] because Baldwin's classic meant so much to the main character in that story.

So, inspired by my 2017 Book Riot Read Harder Challenge "read a classic by an author of color," I've finally realized this goal! Huzzah!

I found it a heavy work, weighted with sorrow, self-loathing, and guilt. I had a sense of foreboding every time I went to pick up the tiny in size but hefty in mental weight book. It wasn't something I actively enjoyed reading but something that left a huge impression. I felt awful for all of the characters, none of whom are likeable but all of whom you can feel for.

The themes of being an ex-patriot in Europe are also a favorite trope of mine, and I ate up every angsty minute of it.