An American Marriage, a book chosen for the Oprah Book Club 2018 and winner of Women’s Prize for friction, is about two young married couple whose life changes drastically overnight.
Roy, an executive, and Celestial, an upcoming artist an African American couple married for little more than a year, whose lives are torn apart after the arrest of the former for a crime he did not commit.
He is convicted and sentenced to 12 years in Jail.
As a result, their beautiful relationship suffers the impact of the sentence, with Celestial falling back on Andre her childhood friend for moral support, and has immense growth in her career as an artist.
Meanwhile, Roy’s life comes to a halt, lost everything near and dear to life, giving up his dream life and career, tries to hold on to what is left. He is in still love with Celestial and looks forward to a life with her.
Their relationship is beyond repair with no scope to start where they left. Bygone is bygone.
Celestial is an Independent woman, unwilling to succumb to the societal norms towards women, enjoys her freedom, and is passionate about her work.
Roy, a man with his dream loves Celestial deeply, but at the same unable to come to terms with her growth in her career as an artist. It hurts his male ego so to say. It acts as one of the trigger points for the rift in their relationship, leading to a divorce.
A unique story of young people, who had to undergo a tumultuous change in their lives, facing consequences of error in judgment because one is black.
I felt Roy who loved Celestial was unable to give up on his marriage, trying to hold on to his last hope once released from jail, when she has fallen love with Andre. Celestial enjoys the relationship with Andre even after divorce, but at the same scared to finally tie the knot.
I pity how scarred the main characters Andre, Celestial, and Roy are mentally and how it has impacted their relationship and lives.
The story emphasizes the prejudices and misconceptions against black people in America. The racism based on colour or any other impact on the lives of those facing discrimination. The book reflects on the same through the voice of the characters.
Whenever there a story or campaign for better treatment and equal opportunities for black lives, there is an entire army of people around the world fighting for it through various social media platforms. In India, we are not far behind when it comes to discrimination against people of colour. There are quite a few Indian celebrities who raise voice supporting the cause of black lives in other countries. I personally think it is high time they shift their attention to a similar in India.
Rating:
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