Time for a New York Revival! - Rated 
This is C20th American Literature at its best. OK, I know it was written in the "jazzy" 60s and the dialogue is dated but the issues are alive and the writing is great. Baldwin deserves a revival. Discover him by reading this novel. The end of Chapter 1 will break your heart and that's just the start! I defy you to read this and not be moved,elated,rejuvenated,disturbed and transported to a New York of times gone yet still there, maybe unfortunately-you decide. A human drama an a massive scale.
Skip it, definitely not his best - Rated 
I am usually quite an avid Baldwin fan but I was a bit surprised by why this book got rave reviews. It is certainly not vintage Baldwin: it does not have the quick, emotional power of his short stories, the fire of his non fiction, or the stinging dialogue of his plays. The story and plot are fine, but the dialogue is tedious and over-done and at points, hard to believe. Stylistically, I've read better Baldwin, much better - and for me, that has always been one of the most attractive features of his writing. The ease with which he places personality on character in his other works (e.g. Sonny's Blues) is notably absent in this one. Though it does address some very relevant issues of our times, I don't know if it should be included in American standard fare as many critics contend.
Compelling look at racism &the struggle for self knowledge - Rated 
An epic of a novel, Another Country really is two novels in one: the first is the story of Rufus Scott, a black man living in the segregated world of NYC in the 50's, struggling to find a way out of the mire of alienation and self-hatred, while the second is a portrait of the people who are left behind after Rufus exits the stage. The first part is gripping and beautifully realized, while the second is a much more pedestrian look at a collection of confused, tormented folks scanning the streets of Manhattan as well as each other's beds in search of meaning. Baldwin is an amazingly original and insightful writer, yet the novel feels anticlimactic after the first section narrated by Rufus, and the conclusion seems too pat. Still, for its discussion of issues of race, class, homosexuality, adultery, and the struggle for self-knowledge, Another Country, published in 1962, was far ahead of its time.
A very realistic portrayal of relationships and love - Rated
The interaction between the characters in Another Country was a very real and in-your-face representaion of love: love for your friends, and supposed friends; and the love that people search to give and receive. The conversations between all of the characters mirrored feelings and obstacles that I have come across in relationships, most accurately, the thin line between love, hate, and guilt. JB knew that it didn't matter who the love came from, but that the fact that you were loved and loved somebody was important. Another Country, however is not for everybody, especially those who are threatened by homosexuality. However, if you have an open mind and have any experience with love, you will be ble to relate to this book.
Amazing - Rated
James Baldwin's "Another Country" is a powerful book that attacks issues of race and love from an extremely different angle. I have never felt prejudiced against homosexuals, yet, I never quite realized all sorts of things that this book tackles. It broadened my perspective and it allowed me to step in the oppressed's state of mind and brought fascinating questions forward. I suggest this book for people with an open mind towards what love really is, but I fear it would revolt close-minded bigots.
|
