Just Above My Head

l Ioved reading this novel, loved the story, loved the language and the pure literary pleasure of it. Baldwin writes with poignancy, clarity, and depth of joy and horror, of loss, of love, of the range of human existence, and he does it with language that is precise and caring. Baldwin addresses all the violence, and all the love, all the resignation that exists in life, but he does so with a lightness of touch and an empathy that guides the reader to their own conclusions. He but with acceptance and empathy, not with a bludgeon. A book worth crying over.

I had to give up reading this book. It is probably a great book but I have difficulty with some of Baldwin’s works of fiction. He writes brilliantly but there are so many characters in his books that I can’t remember who is who.

Baldwin’s books are rich with emotions, and rich in every way, too rich for me.

This book begins with the storyteller, Hall, being informed that his younger brother, Arthur, had been found dead in a men’s room in the basement of a London pub. Arthur was an American gospel singer.

Many people are mentioned but we don’t find out who they are until later, if we do at all. I suppose we always do, but I like things being clear-cut from the start.

Jimmy had not been with Arthur, but had been waiting for him show more in Paris. We find out later that Jimmy is the younger brother of Julia, who was a child evangelist.

Arthur sang his first song in Julia’s church.

Hall and Arthur’s parents, Paul and Florence, were present, though it was not their church. Paul played the piano behind Arthur. The church was in New York.

Hall is married to Ruth and they have two children, Tony and Odessa.

As stated above, I couldn’t get through the whole book, but as far as I can make out, the story is mostly a commemoration of Hall’s beloved brother, Arthur.

It is filled with characters and filled with emotions. It is about churches and gospel songs and everything is beautifully described.

In my view, Baldwin is one of the most talented authors who have written in English in recent years.

He portrays the black American community. show less

I'm a fan of Crunch, one of the great characters in this book. I had the great pleasure of telling that to Mr. Baldwin at a book signing. So he signed my book, "To David, a fan of Crunch, peace, JB" Quite a thrill. I've only sought an autograph on two occasions. My other autograph is from the photographer Brassai. Both men have inspired me and my work.

A masterpiece. Simple as that.

Easily one of the best novels I have every read.

Absolutely the best. Also recommend Go Tell It to the Mountain. Am seeking first edition; especially signed

I need to re-read this.