Have you read any of Baldwin’s other works? If so, which ones, and how does The Devil Finds Work compare?
I recently read “Go Tell it on the Mountain”, Balwin’s first novel. It isn’t fair to compare a novel and an essay, but the writing in both is incredible. Both have unforgettable characters, interesting observations, and “Mountain” has rich descriptions of Black life at that time and place. The novel, which is loosely autobiographical, is fascinating and moving and definitely worth reading. But then, so is the essay we just read. I’d say that the novel is timeless, although it is very much of its time. Its themes (it is a coming-of-age novel) haven’t aged. Young boys who don’t ‘fit’ the cultural norm, or think they don’t, are still searching for where they belong. Fathers and sons are still often in a love-hate relationship. And so on. So if choosing what to re-read, I’d go with the novel. But the two of them did make me want to read or re-read everything Baldwin ever wrote.
I have heard of James Baldwin but never read any of his books. I am really enjoying it. I plan on reading more of his work.
I haven’t read any other books by Baldwin, but would like to read Giovanni’s Room.
I have read the novel ,“Go Tell It On the Mountain”,and a short story “The Rock Pile” by James Baldwin. I don’t think I can compare them except that much of his work is autobiographical, that is greatly influenced by his experience in Harlem as a child and teen-
ager’s conflict with his repressive stepfather
and the boy’s religious conversion. His literature and only film “If Beale Street Could Talk” ( which I would like to read the book) focused on for African American concerns which he was a spokesperson. Considering At age fourteen, Baldwin was appointed youth
minister at Fireside Pentecostal Assembly, he lost the desire to preach, but the oratorical style of that minis try to found its way into his writings. He was a man of great conviction and impressive style of writing.
I’ve not read any of his other work. I plan to read Giovani’s Room sometime this year, and hope that by reading his personal essays and thus having an idea of who he is will enhance my reading.
I did a paper on James Baldwin in vollege in 1969. I read all of his works up until then…Giovannis Room really stood out. These books changed my life. The Devil Finds Work is definitely cimpaparive to his earlier works. I could hear his voice when i read it.
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