A review by savvylit
Sula, by Toni Morrison
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Sula is undoubtedly a book about friendship. However, where the novel's strength really lies is in Morrison's unparalleled characterization. Each character, whether central to the story or briefly mentioned, feels palpably true to life. Though Sula and Nel are the focus, this book is ultimately a tragic portrait of an entire community.
Of course, Morrison's skill at character studies extends to the titular Sula herself. Despite the era in which Sula lives, she has no interest in marriage, family, or any other aspect of living a traditional woman's life. This makes her community at large distrustful of Sula and her intent. Such a character must have been especially groundbreaking when this book was first published in 1973. An independent woman eschewing rules in the 1930s? And a Black woman at that? Sula, flaws and all, is one-of-a-kind. Even in 2022, I won't soon forget Sula and her story.
Of course, Morrison's skill at character studies extends to the titular Sula herself. Despite the era in which Sula lives, she has no interest in marriage, family, or any other aspect of living a traditional woman's life. This makes her community at large distrustful of Sula and her intent. Such a character must have been especially groundbreaking when this book was first published in 1973. An independent woman eschewing rules in the 1930s? And a Black woman at that? Sula, flaws and all, is one-of-a-kind. Even in 2022, I won't soon forget Sula and her story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Infidelity, Murder, Racism, Injury/injury detail, Emotional abuse, War, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Death, Death of parent, and Child death