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thereadingzombie 's review for:
The Bluest Eye
by Toni Morrison
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
How do you even rate a classic? The Bluest Eye is only 211 pages, but it took me a whole week to get through because of how heavy the content is. More than once, I had to put my Kindle down and just sit with my thoughts—processing the prose, the events, and the weight of these characters' experiences. My heart ached for everyone in this story. And it really made me reflect on how, even today, the idea that "white beauty is the ideal beauty" still lingers. We've made progress—especially with representation in children’s toys—but that narrative hasn’t fully disappeared.
Morrison’s writing is stunning, immersive, and unflinching. She doesn’t soften reality to make it more comfortable, and I admire that. That said, her narrative style was a challenge for me. It felt disjointed at times, and I struggled to follow certain parts. But that’s a me thing, not a flaw in the book itself.
This was my first Toni Morrison book, but it definitely won’t be my last.
Morrison’s writing is stunning, immersive, and unflinching. She doesn’t soften reality to make it more comfortable, and I admire that. That said, her narrative style was a challenge for me. It felt disjointed at times, and I struggled to follow certain parts. But that’s a me thing, not a flaw in the book itself.
This was my first Toni Morrison book, but it definitely won’t be my last.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Physical abuse, Racial slurs