A review by yajairat
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

dark sad medium-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? It's complicated

4.0

A grim look into the life of a little girl whose life is destroyed at the hands of those close to her and greater society. I came into this expecting to just follow the journey of Pecola, but instead each chapter is devoted to a different character that touches her life in some way. If this book was just focused on Pecola's life and perspective, I think I would have been much harsher on those that had a hand at ruining her life. But when reading about their stories and hardships, while it doesn't take away from the how terrible their actions were, it does help us see that there are larger forces at play here. Racism, colorism, toxic beauty standards run deep. It's sad to think they can have such a devastating effect on their lives. 

"Along with the idea of romantic love, she was introduced to another— physical beauty. Probably the most destructive ideas in the history of human thought. Both originated in envy, thrived in insecurity, and ended in disillusion."
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