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notthatcosta's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This book is difficult to rate because so much of my enjoyment of it stems from the lore around it and the inspiration, much of which comes from the forward of this edition. The book itself is of course excellent, but at times difficult to follow.
Although the more abstract passages and the tragedy of Beloved, Sethe and Denver as characters made it difficult to get through, this is a book that will remain with me for some time, I feel.
Moderate: Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, and Pregnancy
penny_dlc's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
i know these are just words you can say about books but idk man it spoke to me.
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual content, Slavery, Murder, and War
roselillian's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Child death, Death, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Violence, Murder, and Pregnancy
readbypiper's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
If I was rating this book solely from a craft standpoint, I think I would give it five stars. Morrison’s writing is captivating and perfectly mysterious. She is able to create an amazing sense of dread and tension through her words which is most definitely something to be applauded. The characters in this story are so real and at the same time, they feel almost otherworldly. Morrison expertly weaves confusion and certainty in both the plot and the characters. Truly one of the greatest writers in the American literary canon.
Really, the only reason this book sits at a 3 star for me is because I don’t think I was really in the right headspace to be reading this when I did. First of all, I read this completely on my own, no outside guidance. And while I do love literature and reading, I’ve never taken a real “literature” or “analysis” class. So I had quite a bit of difficulty understanding the story and what it represents. I think if I had read this in a proper class with guidance from a professor I would have liked it much more. Also, the convoluted and emotional nature of the writing made it difficult for me to connect with the book. In short, I don’t think I’ll pick up another Morrison book until I have a more trained eye in terms of reading and analysis. But as for now, her writing just doesn’t really work for me.
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Slavery, and Violence
samarakroeger's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, and Slavery
thebristolreader's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Hate crime, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Trafficking, Grief, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, and Colonisation
kennedyevermore's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Child death, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual assault, Slavery, and Murder
razorfangz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Death of parent
This one is a Lot. It is upfront and brutal about its themes and can be very uncomfortable (which is the point).lindseyhall44's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I have been a reader since I first learned the skill, eventually swapping picture books for novels and poetry collections. While reading has exposed me to the beauty of stories many times before, never in my life has my perception of literature been completely transformed by a book. However, Beloved did just that.
Morrison crafted an incredibly complex and stunning book, brimming with figurative elements and raw emotion.
I am forever greatful for reading the genius of Toni Morrison and cannot wait to continue on with the rest of her work.
This is a new all time favorite.
*PLEASE CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS! This is a very heavy and dark read.
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Hate crime, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Rape, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, War, and Injury/Injury detail
mle11's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Hate crime, Mental illness, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty and War
Minor: Alcohol