Wolfram-Jaymes Keesing asked this question about Giovanni’s Room:
I'd assumed that the boys were POC, but I keep finding articles on 'Baldwin's ability to write white protagonists in "Giovanni's Room."' My question is: did I miss the part where Baldwin says they're white, or is it fine to continue assuming they're POC?
Scott Amundsen Considering the fact that this novel was published in 1956, to read the characters as persons of color would be to put an unrealistic slant on the ent…moreConsidering the fact that this novel was published in 1956, to read the characters as persons of color would be to put an unrealistic slant on the entire narrative.

Giovanni, being from Italy, is obviously White, and if memory serves, both David and Hella have blond hair.(less)
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