I'm going to be honest here and admit that I had no idea how to even begin to review this book. Toni Morrison is already noted and celebrated as an amazing and important author of our time. This is her first novel and also my first time reading anything by her. I can't even begin to fathom what her other books might be like and how amazing they must be.
In The Bluest Eye, we are introduced to Claudia (our narrator) and her sister Frieda. From the beginning the reader also knows that while Claudia is narrating this isn't her story and unfortunately that this isn't going to be a happy story. Once I wrapped my mind around that fact I was ready to begin this novel.
The story is centered around Pecola Breedlove and her family known throughout town as the ugliest family. Throughout the novel there are times where we see past events from Pecola's mother and father's lives. Sadly, it is thru these events that shape the unfortunate events that are soon about to take place.
This isn't an easy read by any means but it is an amazing book. I can't say much else. Morrison is a gifted writer who through this novel is able to comment on society's obsession with beauty, race, and families. I think that some of the points she makes might have flown right over my head and this book would definitely warrant a rereading in the future. Just to give you a taste of Morrison's writing:
"Beauty was not simply something to behold; it was something one could do."
Morrison's writing is both stark and beautiful. Sorry, I would have shared more with you but I've already taken the book back to the library. While this wasn't a happy novel by any means it was such a great novel that I can't help but recommend it to anyone and everyone. Be advised that there are graphic parts that are cringeworthy and a bit painful to read. It is only painful because as the reader you become invested in the characters. I wanted a happy ending even if I knew that I wasn't going to get it. All in all, a book that will probably be considered a classic in the future. I am definitely going to read more of Morrison in the future!
My rating: 5 out of 5
Challenges: TBR Challenge, New Author Challenge, Support Library Challenge, Winter Reading Challenge, A-Z Challenge ("M" Author), and Book Awards Challenge II (Pulitzer Winner), Year of Reading Dangerously, 100+ Challenge
In The Bluest Eye, we are introduced to Claudia (our narrator) and her sister Frieda. From the beginning the reader also knows that while Claudia is narrating this isn't her story and unfortunately that this isn't going to be a happy story. Once I wrapped my mind around that fact I was ready to begin this novel.
The story is centered around Pecola Breedlove and her family known throughout town as the ugliest family. Throughout the novel there are times where we see past events from Pecola's mother and father's lives. Sadly, it is thru these events that shape the unfortunate events that are soon about to take place.
This isn't an easy read by any means but it is an amazing book. I can't say much else. Morrison is a gifted writer who through this novel is able to comment on society's obsession with beauty, race, and families. I think that some of the points she makes might have flown right over my head and this book would definitely warrant a rereading in the future. Just to give you a taste of Morrison's writing:
"Beauty was not simply something to behold; it was something one could do."
Morrison's writing is both stark and beautiful. Sorry, I would have shared more with you but I've already taken the book back to the library. While this wasn't a happy novel by any means it was such a great novel that I can't help but recommend it to anyone and everyone. Be advised that there are graphic parts that are cringeworthy and a bit painful to read. It is only painful because as the reader you become invested in the characters. I wanted a happy ending even if I knew that I wasn't going to get it. All in all, a book that will probably be considered a classic in the future. I am definitely going to read more of Morrison in the future!
My rating: 5 out of 5
Challenges: TBR Challenge, New Author Challenge, Support Library Challenge, Winter Reading Challenge, A-Z Challenge ("M" Author), and Book Awards Challenge II (Pulitzer Winner), Year of Reading Dangerously, 100+ Challenge
Great review Sam. I read this years ago but your review makes me want to get it from the library again and reread it. I remember it being such an emotional book but very good.
ReplyDeleteDar- It is such an emotional read! I couldn't help but love the characters and hope for the best for all of them.
ReplyDeleteSam, I read this last year and loved it. I agree that it's not easy to review. I plan to read A,Mercy soon.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I read 'Sula' by this author and found it very moving. I need to read this one too. Sula wanst an easy read either, but it was such a wonderfully written book, almost like poetry.
ReplyDeletehttp://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
Really great review, Sam. I read this book a long time ago, now after reading your review, I want to read it again. Toni Morrison has a way with words, I'm always moved by her work.
ReplyDeleteGreat review!! This is one I definitely have to read someday. I have never picked up a book by Toni Morrison, but I guess I'm going to have to!
ReplyDeleteKristy- I'm thinking about trying Beloved next as that is another one of her well known novels. I'll be interested in hearing your thoughts on any book that you read by her though :)
ReplyDeleteNaida- That is great to hear as I have Sula on my shelves. I just haven't had the chance to pick it up yet and to be honest I was a bit intimidated by this author.
Brie- Toni Morrison does have an amazing way with words. I couldn't get over the fact that this was only her first novel. Amazing!
ReplyDeleteStephanie- It took me awhile to pick this one up just because I was intimidated by this author. I won't be in the future and I will definitely be reading more by her!
I liked Beloved a lot more, and read it first, so I think I expected too much of The Bluest Eue. But it was a really good book!
ReplyDeleteEva- I'm glad to hear that Beloved is a good book. I've heard a lot about that one as well and want to read it soon!
ReplyDeleteI read this in university. It was required reading in a woman studies course I took. I really liked it too. I have read a few other books by Morrison but none of them grabbed me like The Bluest Eye.
ReplyDeleteTeddy Rose- That's interesting to hear! What else have you read by Morrison? I've got Sula on my shelves and have heard great things about Beloved so eventually I will be reading both of these :) I would love to hear any thoughts you have on these two if you've read them.
ReplyDeleteGlad you discovered Toni Morrison. I was young when her books started coming out and I enjoyed every one of them. Nice review.
ReplyDeleteOf the Toni Morrison books I've read, The Bluest Eye was a favorite--great review.
ReplyDeleteSandra- You've read all of her books? How awesome! I would love to hear your thoughts on Beloved if you get a chance.
ReplyDeleteDiane- Thanks so much!
I only remember a little bit from this one but I did read it a couple of years ago.
ReplyDeleteLadytink- I'm that way with some books long after I've read them. It makes it easier for me to reread if I really enjoyed them :)
ReplyDeleteI read this one years ago and it still stands out in my mind. I haven't had the chance to read a lot by Toni Morrison, but this is one of my favorites of those I have read by her. She definitely does have a way with words.
ReplyDeleteGreat review. I read this one last year and it was as you said, sad but a compelling read.
ReplyDeleteSharon
Sharon- I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed this one as well. It was a really good book!
ReplyDelete