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  • An American Marriage (Oprah’s Book Club)

  • A Novel
  • By: Tayari Jones
  • Narrated by: Sean Crisden, Eisa Davis
  • Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (495 ratings)

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An American Marriage (Oprah’s Book Club)

By: Tayari Jones
Narrated by: Sean Crisden, Eisa Davis
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Publisher's Summary

Oprah’s Book Club 2018 Selection

Newlyweds Celestial and Roy are the embodiment of both the American Dream and the New South. He is a young executive, and she is an artist on the brink of an exciting career. But as they settle into the routine of their life together, they are ripped apart by circumstances neither could have imagined. Roy is arrested and sentenced to 12 years for a crime Celestial knows he didn't commit. 

Though fiercely independent, Celestial finds herself bereft and unmoored, taking comfort in Andre, her childhood friend, and best man at their wedding. As Roy's time in prison passes, she is unable to hold on to the love that has been her center. After five years, Roy's conviction is suddenly overturned, and he returns to Atlanta ready to resume their life together. 

This stirring love story is a profoundly insightful look into the hearts and minds of three people who are at once bound and separated by forces beyond their control. An American Marriage is a masterpiece of storytelling, an intimate look deep into the souls of people who must reckon with the past while moving forward - with hope and pain - into the future. 

©2018 Tayari Jones (P)2018 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Critic Reviews

"Narrators Eisa Davis and Sean Crisden skillfully portray Celestial and Roy.... In Part One, the narrators read the couple's letters so intimately that the listener may feel like an intruder.... As every wedding vow is tested, the narrators breathe intensity into Jones's riveting prose." (AudioFile)  

What listeners say about An American Marriage (Oprah’s Book Club)

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Powerful and wonderful

A beautifully written story of terrible injustice and what relationships mean. The writing is superlative and the narration extraordinary. Such a beautiful book that has been brought to life in such a fantastic way.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Not quite what I expected

This is an original narrative that held my attention in parts, but overall was something of a disappointment. The characters had complexity and depth, but I couldn't warm to any of them. The husband's continual whining in the second half was just plain annoying to listen to. Their attitudes I found sexist, which just rubbed me the wrong way too.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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So relevant to today

I can quite imagine this as a true story. Well written and performed. Sad, happy, tragic and so today's America.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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great

great story beautifully read I am going to find my next listen by this wonderful author

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Misleading title

I thought that a novel with a title l”An American Marriage” wold be more epic. Middle section drags, but the performances are great, I cared about Roy and Celestial because narrators made me care.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

audio makes this book even more enjoyable

loved the narration of the audiobook. a beautiful winding story centring around some loveable characters

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Favourite of the year

I’m looking forward to more from Tayari. This story is brilliant. Thank you for a very enjoyable and enlightening experience.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved this.

A wonderful must read. So current, so real, so heartfelt. I was skillfully and willingly drawn into this story and totally recommend it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great book

This bpok flowed beautifully, I loved the characters especially Big Roy, loved the ending. Delightful & engaging from start to finish

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3 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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The Title is Wrong

I listened to the end but it wasn't the most riveting book I've read. The title doesn't fit the story.

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