isaiahdelune 's review for:

Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison

5.0

emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Names that had meaning. No wonder Pilate put hers in her ear. When you know your name, you should hang on to it, for unless it is noted down and remembered, it will die when you do.

Song of Solomon was my third of Toni Morrison's works in the same amount of weeks; and, having just liked the two others, I had moderate expectations. It was thus a pleasant surprise to find myself pulled in from the very start and absolutely adoring this book.

Morrison's writing is excellent, that is not surprise, but it is evidently so in Song of Solomon. Every single character is so full of life, so real and brilliant. Not one thing is left to chance, and seeing the mystery unfold as the main character grows was an incredible experience. 

Milkman's story is so singular yet so universal, and I think it is that which makes this book so good.
Born soon after a man jumped from a rooftop in an attempt to fly, Milkman Dead spends his life trying to fly too. This coming-of-age tale unfurls in a Black world filled with complex characters, each with their past, their dreams and motivations. Morrison does a magnificent job of writing a male main character, with all his flaws, without falling into stereotypes but without coddling him. And, of course, her female characters each shine in their own way, Pilate taking the crown (for me, at least).

Every writer should strive to achieve such a dense and fruitful work. Nothing is wasted in these pages. Morrison's prose is at once elegant and familiar, to be admired and to greet like an old friend. I can see myself revisiting Milkman and his family and friends often.