Reviews with content warning for Racial slurs - The Bluest Eye

Man I teared up when reading the author’s note… finding out that a schoolmate of hers wanted to have blue eyes which led her to the creation of this book really devastated me but at the same time, truly reflects the reality of beauty standards during that era and how prevalent the importance of resembling a white person is considered beautiful. It was heartbreaking and melancholic but the writing was so beautifully written. The fact that this was Toni Morrison’s debut and she immediately came out with this banger is crazy like her literary achievements are definitely well-deserved.

I also like how the book focused on different characters but still connected with Pecola and how it altered her perception of beauty towards herself and others. This was an interesting writing decision but I liked how fleshed out the characters and simultaneously provides a backdrop to its reality. Different characters throughout the book constantly referred to Pecola as ugly and you can tell that even Pecola herself believed and internalized that. Even towards the end when Pecola wanted to have the bluest eyes because she kept on comparing them to other girls who have them. The ending was just so tragic and saddening but the way it was written was eloquent and compelling to read.

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cmrbwa's review against another edition

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dark reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

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angievansprang's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This is such an outstanding debut from Morrison. There are few books I read and think to myself, “this might be too smart for me”, but I found myself thinking that throughout my time with this novel. This book is so rich in the juxtaposition of gorgeous prose against the backdrop of truly heartbreaking scenes. There are particular scenes in this read that I found more chilling and stomach-churning than many others that I’ve read, please check trigger warnings and take care of yourself before indulging. I am sure I will need to revisit this book to get a full scope of it at some point, but I am in awe of Morrison’s genius. I cannot wait to read more of her works.

Content Warnings