Exploration of racism and the search for self-knowledge, compelling ( )

One of my favourites. The first chapter is magnetic: "You took the best - why not take the rest?" ( )

Another Country is James Baldwin's finest novel. While earlier works (Go Tell it...) approach issues of race, sexuality and gender differences from a more safe, calculated perspective, Another Country reveals boldly all that is uncomfortable in the American landscape.

As always, Baldwin's characters are unforgettable and, as we are reading we feel desperately for Rufus, Leona, Vivaldo, Ida, Richard, Cass, Eric and Yves. These characters reflect the differences and frustrations in trying to communicate and understand one another in mid-century America. It is in the dialogue between the characters that Baldwin most shines. For many authors, dialogue tends to fade towards inauthentic, yet, Baldwin reveals in brutal honesty the differences (and, at times, similarities) between these characters.

To avoid spoilers, I will simply state that the final few pages of chapter 1 and the final chapter provide some of the most touching and affecting prose in 20th Century American Literature. ( )

There is some very powerful and daring writing in this story of a black musician's struggle with depression, friends and family in 1960s America. Very much ahead of its time. ( )

Discovered Baldwin and was really introduced to another country. Eye-opening. And a great atmospheric photo cover too. I think covers are very important. ( )