Tayari Jones - An American Marriage

Jones’s eagerly awaited fourth novel starts with newlyweds Roy and Celestial. A rising young executive and a talented artist, respectively, the couple has everything to look forward to. Then, while on a trip to visit Celestial’s family, Roy is accused of rape by a woman in their hotel. He’s innocent, but is convicted and sentenced to twelve years in prison. By the time he’s exonerated and released, Celestial has started a relationship with his best friend. As wrenching as it is heartwarming, this masterful novel by the author of Silver Sparrow is both an illuminating examination of how the country’s justice system tears apart African-American lives and a powerful, complicated love story.