This 1974 novel by American writer James Baldwin is a moving love story set in Harlem in the early 1970s. The title is a reference to the Handy Blues song "Beale Street Blues” named after Beale Street in Downton Memphis, Tennessee.
It is narrated through the eyes of Tish, a nineteen-year-old girl
in love with Fonny, a young sculptor who is the father of her child. They grew up in the same neighbourhood in New York city and are childhood friends.They fall in love and pledge to be married.
At the beginning of the story, Fonny has been falsely accused of raping a woman, then arrested and jailed, awaiting his trial. Tish learns she is pregnant after Fonny is imprisoned and must rely on her and Fonny's family for support.
Baldwin analyses the American psyche and the complexities of the human heart quite well. He creates a story in which love and sadness are intertwined in a Blues ambiance. He explores love within Black life, highlighting the emotional bonds holding two African American families together
During our discussion of the book, our group had to recognise that unfortunately racism, injustice and inequality of rights between white and black people are still a reality in some parts of the United States, especially in the South East.
Although the whole story is very sad, Baldwin sends a message of hope at the end. A definitely good book.
Paulette Duncan
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