If Beale Street Could Talk – James Baldwin
A love story wrapped in tragedy, James Baldwin infuses “If Beale Street Could Talk” with his signature lyricism and unflinching social critique.
Told from the perspective of Tish, a 19-year-old in love with Fonny, a 22-year-old sculptor falsely accused of rape, the novel unfolds as she navigates her pregnancy, his incarceration and their families’ desperate efforts to clear his name.
The details of Fonny’s arrest aren’t revealed until the halfway mark, but by then, their love is so deeply established that you ache for their stolen future. Fans of Baldwin know he is a genius at drawing out a moment, making it fully lived-in without losing the reader. From capturing lazy Sundays to the joys of a shared meal, he does that here better than in the previous books of his I’ve read.
Though the author is best known for his searing critiques of race and sexuality, “Beale Street” is unique in his body of work. It’s his first novel (that I’ve read) centered entirely on Black love and the only one narrated by a woman.
The tone recalls “Giovanni’s Room,” another of Baldwin’s tragic love stories, but this one is largely free of self-loathing. Tish and Fonny’s relationship is full of tenderness, not just lust or destruction. That makes Fonny’s slow unraveling in prison all the more devastating — he’s away from everything he loves, missing the fleeting moments where he and Tish can exist as a pair and not a trio.
Another unique aspect of “Beale Street” versus other Baldwin novels is that the supporting characters are given a chance to shine. Ernestine, Tish’s fiercely protective sister, is a highlight. Sharon, their mother, is unforgettable, particularly in two of the novel’s most gripping scenes: her venomous showdown with Mrs. Hunt, Fonny’s mother, after learning of Tish’s pregnancy, and her tense trip to Puerto Rico to confront the woman coerced into accusing Fonny.
Those latter scenes, especially her interrogation of Victoria and negotiation with Senior Alvarez, mirrors the explosive tension of “Giovanni’s Room,” but Sharon’s emotional restraint makes it even more harrowing. The stress these characters endure — especially Tish and Sharon — is visceral, a testament to how Baldwin captures trauma in both body and mind.
The novel isn’t flawless. A few sections, particularly an oddly eroticized depiction of the Hunts’ sex life, feel misplaced. There are also some pointedly racist remarks against Jewish people, which stand out given the author’s otherwise incisive handling of prejudice. Still, these moments don’t overshadow the novel’s brilliance.
Tonally, “Beale Street” is more measured than a thriller, but its slow unveiling of Fonny’s fate keeps you hooked. It’s not just a story of systemic failure, which I guess is what I was expecting. Instead it’s a celebration of love’s endurance under pressure, even when the odds are impossible. The helplessness Baldwin captures feels all too familiar today.
For those opting for the audiobook, Bahni Turpin’s performance is exceptional. Already an all-star narrator, she fully inhabits each character, delivering every ounce of exhaustion, defiance and maternal ferocity with precision. Her use of accents and inflection elevates the material, making it one of my favorite listens of the year.
This is my second favorite Baldwin book after “Giovanni’s Room,” but maybe over time it could claim the top spot. I guess I’m a sucker for love stories. On a side note, I’ve not seen the film adaptation, but I cannot wait to see how Regina King earned her Academy Award as Sharon – absolutely perfect casting.
Rating (story): 4.5/5 stars
Rating (narration): 5/5 stars
Format: Hybrid read/listen (personal library)
Dates read: February 16 – February 20, 2025
Multi-tasking: Not recommended. Like all Baldwin novels, its long chapters and sentences require a fair amount of concentration. I found myself liking the text more than audiobook – only because I could really savor his words.
