Well written. Story of an African American couple and their best friend. Husband ends up in jail for a crime he didn't commit and after 5 years he is released early when the conviction is overturned on appeal. This is their story - their first 18 months of marriage, his time in jail, and then after when he is released. You can tell early on that their marriage is far from perfect even in the beginning, and that she will end up with the best friend who was her childhood best friend and soul mate. Is a deep commitment and soul sharing more important than a short intense passion to make a marriage last? Even though I knew where the story was headed, which normally I would not like, I wanted to see how they got there and the process. Told from an African American perspective which I don't have a first hand knowledge of, but that didn't interfere with the story telling.
This was an okay read for me, not great. The story is simple, not very original and quite predictable. I felt like Celestial was not developed at all. We just see the outcome of her actions when Roy returns from prison. Roy is left wondering what is going on with his marriage while he is in prison and so is the reader. I agree with another GR reviewer that perhaps seeing more of Celestial's point of view would have helped me understand her actions. I could not summon up any sympathy for her. It's a love story on many different levels, but it just didn't do it for me.
With all the high reviews this book is/was getting I was certainly surprised to not enjoy it more.
With all the high reviews this book is/was getting I was certainly surprised to not enjoy it more.
I found the characters aggravating. Story is told in first person accounts and letters by Roy, Celestial and Andre. Roy is unjustly incarcerated. His wife, Celestial, spends time with Andre while Roy is away. A love triangle is formed when Roy is released. Roy was arrogant, Celestial was selfish and they never should have married. Why did Andre introduce Roy to Celestial if he was in love with her? Read and see how you feel about this book.
