Another Country

It's tough to give this one five stars, only because Baldwin's depiction of women in the book is lacking the nuance and intensity that his depiction of men excels at. But I have to give it five stars because it's the sort of book that I can honestly say: I have never read anything like this. Lots of amazing queer characters, lots of the deep sadnesses and amazing joys of everyday life, amazing comments on race and economics that don't stray into heavy-handedness too often. I know the book has critiques that it is uneven, and perhaps it is, but this book's unevenness is better than most of the even “masterpieces” I've read.

I'm embarrassed to say this is the first Baldwin book I've read. Can't wait to read more.