An American Marriage: A Novel

Written by Tayari Jones

Narrated by Sean Crisden and Eisa Davis

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 twelve 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Highbridge Company
• Release date: Feb 6, 2018
• ISBN: 9781681688343

Tayari Jones

New York Times best-selling author Tayari Jones is the author of four novels, including An American Marriage, Silver Sparrow, The Untelling, and Leaving Atlanta. Jones holds degrees from Spelman College, Arizona State University, and the University of Iowa. A winner of numerous literary awards, she is a professor of creative writing at Emory University. 

Reviews for An American Marriage

[Afoma · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The narration of this book is fantastic. It took a while to get used to Roy’s narrator’s accent but I definitely appreciated the use of more than one narrator.

While the story is gripping and is sure to keep you locked in, it didn’t feel spectacular to me. The premise is definitely relevant and is an interesting look into a young black couple’s marriage. However, in my opinion, Celestial and Roy seemed doomed to fail from the very first page. I found Celestial and André nearly impossible to stomach, even though I wasn’t completely on Roy’s side.

I applaud the author for creating a seemingly high stakes drama that is engrossing and riveting. “Seemingly”, because, really, didn’t we all know how this would end? Still, very interesting minor characters - the parents, Davina, Walter (he doesn’t count as a parent). I’d recommend this to anyone looking for an immersive summer read.

[lburman-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Don't let the sticker "Oprah's Book Club" keep you away from this book. What a powerful story of marriage, race, fate, hope, freedom and so much more. Each character has a voice that is true and honest. Tragic circumstances tear apart relationships and bring together others. This is an honest look at the life of a young black couple and a system that still stings of racism and injustice.

[Patrick McGhee · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a read I needed. Well performed and captivating

[Danishia Lighten · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was book of the month for a book club. Outside my normal read but I enjoyed it. The themes of love and intimacy as a necessity at different stages of life for different reasons and how it feels like it's the only way to be. Loved it

[Onyeka dim · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed it so much ☺️
Well recommended.trust me . Love it

[deekechi99 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved itttt very much!!!
I can honestly re read over and over again

[Erika Holderness · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very mad at the ending.
But it was a good book, and even better narration .

[Melba Sandi · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What a captivating story. Roy and Celestial got me thinking hard about life and it’s unfortunate circumstances.

[Sylvia King · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The reading is superb! The storyline has it’s weaknesses but the reading made up for it!

[underthebookpile · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was an incredibly well written book with very realistic characters, and one that provided an important look at both the prison culture in America as well as its disproportionate targeting of and effect on black men. However, I did not like any of the characters. Their attitudes toward, and decisions about, each other were not great. I understood why they said and did some of the things they did, but found it hard to connect to any of them throughout much of the book. I wanted to tell off many of the men for treating the primary female character like a possession, and I wanted to shake her and drag her to a lawyer and a therapist to help her get sorted out. While this book was not a home run for me, I found the author to be a beautiful writer and would read another one of her works.

[Maria Jette · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautifully written, heartbreaking story...an excellent choice for bookclubs, as there’s a lot to discuss. The audio version is spectacular.

[Tamara Lyons · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excellent from beginning to end I loved it. My only con was celestial voice sounded old

[Angela Walker · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An emotional story of love from both sides. This is a classic and must read.

[Jade Campion · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

To sad for me. I can't believe that woman lied on the court stand and DNA didn't clear Roy

[Carole Gregson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Captivating- well written. I really enjoyed being ‘an observer’ to this very intimate relationship.

[Paballo Seipei · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful love stories! I enjoyed the narration which gave the book emotion and depth.

[Ann-Mari · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book! Left me with many thoughts. Recommending to all

[Laura · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book had me in tears... So many times. Really dug deep on what marriage is and can be when faced with hard times!

[somikazi Tom · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is so gripping, painful and lovely. Its just perfectly complex

[Judy Griffith · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Love this book . Story had a happy ending to it

[Shelvia E. · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautifully written, raw, and captivating! The author paints a picture with words and tells a complicated, yet real love story.

[marcelina Jean · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If you were looking for a fairytale ending, this isn’t that. Everything about this novel was so real that it hurt.

[Esther Leung · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This will make your heart tighten. Thinking of how fragile things can be and all can be gone with just a click. You will love the characters, hate them and at the same time have empathy with them the whole time. I cannot recommend this book more, the narrator did an absolutely good job as well.

[Johanna · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It was an interesting story and I really liked the narrators.

[Lucy Rodery · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is not my typical read but I enjoyed it so much. I also really loved the format of it, normally I struggle a bit with audio books but this one was so pleasing. I look forward to reading this again in a couple years !

[Emefa Anka · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What I think? I think Celestial was manipulative! A good story this is.

[Pim Jansson · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The reviews told me it would be worth listening to but I found it lacking depth. You don’t really get to know the characters, instead it’s just a story that someone could tell you in 10 minutes.

[Natasha Slater · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very well written! If your looking for a happy ending but not “THE” happy ending, you’ve come to the right place. The in detail descriptions of the characters thoughts, feelings even bought me to tears and points and laughter at others...

[C.L. Donley · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Shook. I thought she was going to kill me but thankfully, she didn't.

[Meghan Schafer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is stunningly brilliant and had me excited to go to work every week so I could listen to it. Thanks Obama and Oprah, I would have never found this book otherwise. The audiobook narrators are absolutely stunning as well.