I had high hopes for this works by Mr James Baldwin purchasing this book after watching an archived footage of Mr Baldwin at Cambridge University. I would really encourage you to watch this, it is spectacular.
So, this video sparked my interest in this eloquent man and I wanted to read something he had written, hence me reading “Go Tell it on the Mountain”. Prior to reading this book, and not believing in divinity, I did not know the religious roots of the title, and so, in all honesty did not expect the passion with which this book approaches its characters spiritual journey.
So, my opinion of the book is less than favorable, the warmth and earnestness of the characters are, for me, always overshadowed by the relentless religious scenery. Whilst I understand that the place, the people, the situations and indeed the dialogue are engaging, the thick syrup of gospel, doctrine, and devotion made it hard to connect with the various characters.
For me, the book is a dense collection of traditional tales of morality and the nature of a moral person, perhaps a book for theologians to discover and discuss.
Fiction
Penguin UK
04/10/2001
256
The story of the guilt, bitterness and spiritual strivings of the Grimes family which is told as the son, John, faces the issue of religious conversion in the Temple of the Fire Baptised.