Go Tell It On The Mountain is a novel by James Baldwin, first published in 1953. It is set in Harlem, New York, in the 1930s and tells the story of John Grimes, a fourteen-year-old boy who is struggling to find his place in the world. The novel follows John as he navigates his relationships with his family, his faith, and his community.
The novel begins with John attending a church service with his family. His father, Gabriel, is a preacher and his mother, Elizabeth, is a devout Christian. John is deeply affected by the sermon and begins to question his faith. He is also struggling with his relationship with his father, who is a strict disciplinarian.
John's family is made up of his parents, his two sisters, and his brother, Roy. Roy is the oldest and is a successful businessman. He is also a drug addict and is involved in a criminal lifestyle. John is jealous of Roy and feels that he is not living up to his father's expectations.
John's family is also struggling financially. His father is unable to find steady work and his mother is forced to take in laundry to make ends meet. John's family is also dealing with the death of his grandfather, who was a major influence in John's life.
John's life is further complicated when he meets Florence, a young woman from his neighborhood. He is immediately attracted to her and begins to spend more time with her. This leads to tension between John and his family, as they disapprove of his relationship with Florence.
John's life is further complicated when he discovers that his father had an affair with a woman named Elisha. This revelation causes John to question his faith and his relationship with his father. He also begins to question his place in the world and his identity.
The novel culminates in a powerful scene in which John is baptized in a river. This scene symbolizes John's transformation and his acceptance of his faith. He is finally able to reconcile his relationship with his father and his faith.
Go Tell It On The Mountain is a powerful novel that explores themes of faith, identity, and family. It is a story of a young man's struggle to find his place in the world and his journey of self-discovery. The novel is a timeless classic that is sure to leave readers with a sense of hope and understanding.