An American Marriage by Tayari Jones explores the complexities of love, race, and the criminal justice system in America. The story follows Celestial and Roy, a married couple whose lives are forever changed when Roy is wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. As they navigate the turbulence of his incarceration, their relationship is tested in ways neither could have imagined.

A unique aspect of the story is the correspondence between Celestial and Roy, who are forced to communicate through letters after Roy's imprisonment. As the couple is separated by miles and years, these letters become their primary means of connection and serve as an emotional lifeline. Through their written words, Celestial and Roy share their deepest fears, desires, and frustrations, revealing the complex layers of their relationship. The letters offer a raw and intimate glimpse into the struggles of their love, as they try to stay emotionally connected despite the growing divide caused by Roy’s wrongful incarceration.

The novel is told from the alternating perspectives of Celestial, Roy, and Andre, a close family friend. Jones intricately examines themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the harsh realities faced by African American individuals, particularly within the criminal justice system.