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catflapper's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
soupyreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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? Yes
4.0
rochelle03's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
3.75
Morrison truly is a master of the gothic! Would be 4 stars if the book was not such a slog to get through due to its at times confusing structure. However I understand why the timeline was so chaotic/ opaque at first and the longer it went on the more I could appreciate her construction of the story. Gorgeous prose, haunting scenes especially towards the end. Had my mouth hanging open at parts. Don't know if I could read it again for the first time but very glad I got through it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pedophilia and Sexual assault
rhemajoy's review against another edition
5.0
devastating but relevant piece that ultimately focuses on the link between generational trauma and love. told with concise but gripping prose, toni’s work is meant to be reread, savored and rehashed again.
erinlcrane's review against another edition
4.0
Morrison really likes to mess with you, I swear. What an absolute emotional abusive mess we have here.
She comes at the idea of love from multiple directions - family, romantic, healthy or not. She also explores what it is and isn’t, and what people think it is.
At the center is Bill Cosey and the women he impacted. The women internalize the patriarchal world they live in, they act in ways that reflect their traumas. So they never blame Cosey, just each other, and it’s a nasty mess. There’s some closure and healing in the end, but I can’t stop using the word “messy” to describe the state of affairs.
I think this is one that would reward a reread because of the full picture you get by the end.
Favorite quotes:
Hate does that. Burns off everything but itself, so whatever your grievance is, your face looks just like your enemy’s.
They battled on as though they were champions instead of sacrifices.
She comes at the idea of love from multiple directions - family, romantic, healthy or not. She also explores what it is and isn’t, and what people think it is.
At the center is Bill Cosey and the women he impacted. The women internalize the patriarchal world they live in, they act in ways that reflect their traumas. So they never blame Cosey, just each other, and it’s a nasty mess. There’s some closure and healing in the end, but I can’t stop using the word “messy” to describe the state of affairs.
I think this is one that would reward a reread because of the full picture you get by the end.
Favorite quotes:
Hate does that. Burns off everything but itself, so whatever your grievance is, your face looks just like your enemy’s.
They battled on as though they were champions instead of sacrifices.
livkarsch's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
graynymph24's review against another edition
3.0
As always Toni Morrison writes hard truths beautifully. However the lead is often buried in this story making it a strenuous read.
kenziecriswell's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0