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cassielaj's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- 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
Toni Morrison is a literary genius. There’s a whole lot else to say, but that sums it up. No one but her could write about the hardest, most heartbreaking stuff that humanity has to offer alongside the most beautiful, and all of it in the most stunning prose you’ll ever read. This is a deeply nuanced book that I’m sure has something new for every read, yet it doesn’t feel like it has to be an English class book. Whether you just want to read a good story or you want to parse and analyze, Toni Morrison’s writing is the best you can find for either purpose.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Sexism, Sexual assault, Rape, Pedophilia, Racism, Grief, Toxic relationship, Sexual violence, Death, Infidelity, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Police brutality, Miscarriage, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
toffishay's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I would say of Toni Morrison's bibliography that I have read, this is maybe my least favorite. The writing style was a little more straightforward and less metaphorical. You also get multiple character point of views on the same events, but it didn't seem as if the additional POV illuminated more of the story. Some of the characters are interesting, but then it feels like they kind of go nowhere to me like Junior and L. There are interesting themes of who has power and what is left behind when people leave us. How we might be able to pick up the pieces of our lives and how that is impacted by our circumstances and others choices that may have been made long ago.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Physical abuse, Rape, Death, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Toxic friendship, Abortion, Adult/minor relationship, and Pedophilia
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Infidelity, Grief, Emotional abuse, Drug use, Domestic abuse, Murder, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Violence, Sexism, Mental illness, and Racism
Minor: Vomit, Police brutality, and Fire/Fire injury
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