A review by marywahlmeierbracciano
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

challenging sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

5.0

Toni Morrison was a visionary.  This, her first novel, was my first foray into her work, and I found it approachable, yet deep with meaning.  It borrows its structure from a children’s “Dick and Jane” story, which Toni reads like a haunting incantation.  Her narration of the entire book is flawless and stunning, like the text itself.  The novel circles around Pecola, who rarely narrates but whose story is largely told by other characters, often children.  Her story is traumatic yet minimally graphic, making it appropriate, even, for most sensitive readers.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, and Bullying

Moderate: Sexual violence, Pregnancy, Excrement, Dysphoria, Physical abuse, Incest, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, Child abuse, Animal death, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Alcoholism, Violence, Pedophilia, Grief, Emotional abuse, and Animal cruelty

Minor: Abandonment