An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

An American Marriage: a novel by Tayari Jones
This is, at its heart, a love story, but a love story warped by racial injustice. ―Kirkus Reviews
This novel goes into forbidden territories, revealing the impact society has on relationships. It makes you beg for things to be okay. The writing is like velcro, it sticks you to the story.

An excerpt: I angled toward her again, and again she didn't move. I placed my hands on her defenseless head, and she didn't stop me. I kissed her every way I could think of. I kissed her forehead like she was my daughter. I kissed quivering eyelids like she was my dead mother. I kissed her hard on her cheeks like you do before you kill someone. I kissed her collarbone the way you do when you want more. I pulled her earlobe with my teeth the way you do when you know what someone likes. I did everything, and she sat as pliable as a doll. “If you let me,” I said, “I can forgive you.” Starting my circuit of kisses again, I made my way to her neck. She shifted her head slightly so I could touch my nose where her pulse beat close to the surface. But the thrill wore off fast, like the rush of a homemade drug, the way the cheap stuff hits you hard but leaves you hungry in an instant. I moved to the other side, hoping she would tilt her head the opposite way, allowing me access to all of her. “Just ask me,” I said, my voice barely more than a rumble in my chest. “Ask me and I will forgive you.” I held her now; she was limp, but she didn't resist. “Ask me, Georgia,” I said. “Ask me so I can say yes.”

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