21 Comments
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Darwishing's avatar

I wrote my IB Extended Essay on Giovanni’s Room — this incisive analysis of David and Giovanni’s tragic dynamic (and especially the internalized alterity of the former) totally brought back my obsession with Baldwin’s characterization when I was writing it!

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Stacey's avatar

alterity! that's the word I was looking for. thank you for reading, i'm glad it resonated with someone who also clearly loves this book dearly!

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leah beth's avatar

ok i’m going to (finally!) read this this book and then come back and read this post

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Stacey's avatar

nothing would make me happier

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Chloé Williams's avatar

“You don’t have a home until you leave it and then, when you have left it, you never can go back.” Yeah I had to take a breath after reading that.

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Chloé Williams's avatar

need to write something that I can use that as an epigraph I fear!

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Stacey's avatar

many such cases in this book

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Akanksa Upadhyay's avatar

This is so well written and researched, thank you

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Stacey's avatar

thank you for reading! x

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ONSHI's avatar

This was such an interesting read! I was hanging on to every word. Really lovely.

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Stacey's avatar

thank you, that is so kind to say! grateful to be read so carefully. <3

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Kendall's avatar

i love this book so much and i LOVED your review of it (weaving in ernaux?? your mind!)

was wondering what you thought about hella’s character because i actually found her so fascinating (and relatable). you’ll have to tell me your thoughts when i next see you!

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Stacey's avatar

hella’s my girl!!! we’ll discuss

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Caroline Beuley's avatar

I read this book in my first ever creative writing workshop and it’s stuck with me ever since - really enjoyed this review!

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Stacey's avatar

thank you very much for reading!

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John van der Meer's avatar

Very well done. I love your analysis of the book and the power of your writing.

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Stacey's avatar

Thank you very much, John <3 I’m always grateful to have you read my work

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Nic Marna's avatar

Loved this reflection! Giovanni’s Room is a favourite and I loved seeing examined so closely.

Going to have to pick up the Ernaux now!

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Stacey's avatar

thank you for reading!! yes you must, it's such a slim but powerful read

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Daniela Riedlova's avatar

i love this book i love this book i love this book you should read Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski, that's how i was influenced to read Giovanni's Room <3

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Stacey's avatar

how have i not heard of this book!! thank you for the rec i can't wait to read <3

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