An American Marriage (Oprah’s Book Club) cover art

An American Marriage (Oprah’s Book Club)

A Novel

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An American Marriage (Oprah’s Book Club)

By: Tayari Jones
Narrated by: Sean Crisden, Eisa Davis
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About this listen

Oprah’s Book Club 2018 Selection

Newlyweds Celestial and Roy are the embodiment of both the American Dream and the New South. He is a young executive, and she is an artist on the brink of an exciting career. But as they settle into the routine of their life together, they are ripped apart by circumstances neither could have imagined. Roy is arrested and sentenced to 12 years for a crime Celestial knows he didn't commit.

Though fiercely independent, Celestial finds herself bereft and unmoored, taking comfort in Andre, her childhood friend, and best man at their wedding. As Roy's time in prison passes, she is unable to hold on to the love that has been her center. After five years, Roy's conviction is suddenly overturned, and he returns to Atlanta ready to resume their life together.

This stirring love story is a profoundly insightful look into the hearts and minds of three people who are at once bound and separated by forces beyond their control. An American Marriage is a masterpiece of storytelling, an intimate look deep into the souls of people who must reckon with the past while moving forward - with hope and pain - into the future.

©2018 Tayari Jones (P)2018 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books African American Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction United States Women's Fiction World Literature Heartfelt Marriage Social justice

Critic Reviews

"Narrators Eisa Davis and Sean Crisden skillfully portray Celestial and Roy.... In Part One, the narrators read the couple's letters so intimately that the listener may feel like an intruder.... As every wedding vow is tested, the narrators breathe intensity into Jones's riveting prose." (AudioFile)

All stars
Most relevant  
A beautifully written story of terrible injustice and what relationships mean. The writing is superlative and the narration extraordinary. Such a beautiful book that has been brought to life in such a fantastic way.

Powerful and wonderful

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This is an original narrative that held my attention in parts, but overall was something of a disappointment. The characters had complexity and depth, but I couldn't warm to any of them. The husband's continual whining in the second half was just plain annoying to listen to. Their attitudes I found sexist, which just rubbed me the wrong way too.

Not quite what I expected

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I can quite imagine this as a true story. Well written and performed. Sad, happy, tragic and so today's America.

So relevant to today

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great story beautifully read I am going to find my next listen by this wonderful author

great

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Disappointing, as there was no detail about the main event, which directed the story and characters were lacking.

Flimsy

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This bpok flowed beautifully, I loved the characters especially Big Roy, loved the ending. Delightful & engaging from start to finish

Great book

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I listened to the end but it wasn't the most riveting book I've read. The title doesn't fit the story.

The Title is Wrong

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I enjoyed the story from the beginning to end. It was realistic in its depiction of family relationships. There was not a simple fairy tale story but one that showed racial, gender and class divides.

An absorbing story

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Loved the readers. They were fantastic. The story was a bit lacking though. It didn’t justify a whole book.

Perfectly read

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Loved every part of this story. a true love story. you won't be disappointed. ever.

great novel

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