This month marks the centenary of influential American author James Baldwin (1924 – 1987). Consequently, Penguin is releasing a range of his novels in audiobook format. ‘Go Tell It on the Mountain' is his first novel, released in 1953 when he was only 29 years old.
Despite his youth, it is a mature work. Raw, and immediate, it rings true because of the author's understood and digested lived experience that he brings out so clearly and eloquently in prose. Semi-autobiographical, the hero John Grimes is built upon Baldwin's childhood recollections of life among a black community in Harlem in the 1930s.
The period, place or even culture may seem remote, but Baldwin brings universality to his writing. The relatable characters and story can only grab the reader so long as the themes capture the imagination. A boy's difficult relationship with his father and step-father is one such theme that comes across strongly. The central core of the story is about John's relationship with the church and with his faith, which often puts him in conflict with his sexuality. Yet Baldwin doesn't come down firmly one one side or the other. The book has a self-assured nuance to it that allows the reader to make up his or her own mind. The internal conflict is what is dwelt upon, rather than the need for the author to pour scorn or push a moral lesson for the betterment of his reader.
As with many first novels, especially where they are overtly semi-autobiographical, ‘Go Tell It on the Mountain' has a non-linear plot and the central character shifts with each of the four distinct sections of the book. Listened to in audio format, this can sometimes render it difficult to remember exactly what's going on or whose story we are following. But it is worth paying close attention and persevering with changing viewpoints. It all comes together magnificently.
Although the first section relates what is in many ways the mundanity of life – the need to do chores to please parents, the arguments with a step-father and step-brother, the escape to church and to the cinema, ‘Go Tell It on the Mountain' keeps readers captivated with stylish and engaging prose. All of the characters that we meet in the first section come into their own later on, and most will tell their own story. That allows Baldwin to head further back in time and recall the memories of the older characters' childhoods, dating back to the Nineteenth Century. Step-father Gabriel's mother was a former slave, which enables Baldwin to bring issues into print that were fomenting within the Civil Rights Movement. It was gathering pace in the 1950s and 60s when the young Baldwin was composing his first novels.
The stories are built upon the prayers of the main characters, but if you're not a religious person, this should not put you off. The final section, which returns the narrative to the life of John Grimes, takes the religious elements even further. The hero undergoes a spiritual experience that shapes the rest of the book. Throughout all of this, Baldwin doesn't lose the humanity of his characters, and so doesn't alienate his readers. Even if you don't understand it, you enjoy the journey the characters take.
Baldwin's prose style is captivating. His descriptions are vivid and authentic, but never laid on too thickly. His characters are given the time and the attention to develop and grow. The story about growing up in a small, minority, religious community is not always an easy listen, but he's a writer of great skill, so he ensures that you continue to care about his creations and want to know what happens to them. This audiobook from Penguin Random House UK Audio is narrated mostly by Joe Morton, with support from Roxane Gay. Morton, originally from New York, is a great choice. He tunes into Baldwin's voice, understands his characters and knows how to bring ‘Go Tell It on the Mountain' to life for listeners. This is a timely reminder of why James Baldwin's work remains relevant and, a century after his birth, his voice must still be heard.
Publisher: Penguin Random House UK audio Publication date: 1st August 2024 Buy ‘Go Tell It on the Mountain'
