An American Marriage is an interesting novel. Part of it is told in the third person; other parts are told in the first person in an epistolary form (i.e. letters). It tells the story of a middle-class black couple named Roy and Celestial. The two live in Atlanta, Georgia, and lead a reasonably normal and happy life. However, Ray is wrongfully convicted of rape. The two must work through Ray's conviction and time in prison and their relationship.
Critics and general readers alike absolutely adored the novel. It was a New York Times Bestseller and the NYT's Stephanie Powell Watts loved the novel, calling it "wise" and "compassionate." Alex Clark of The Guardian also really liked the book. She called the book "engrossing," "immensely readable," and "a worthy award winner." It was also long-listed for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction. It was also a finalist for the NAACP Image Award. An American Marriage was also named an Oprah Book Club Book, something that was certainly helpful in marketing the novel and selling books. One reviewer described it as "The Great American Novel" and won the 2019 "Women's Prize for Fiction." It has been translated into dozens of languages. Many readers have been able to relate to the themes and characters in the novel, as well as the unique way that the story is told. The novel also includes elements of magical realism and surrealism. This adds to the feeling of the novel and creates a unique atmosphere. An American Marriage is an important and powerful novel that people of all backgrounds should read and explore.
