I’ve Read Better Morrison
This is the story of two black girls, Sula and Nel who become the best of friends in 1973 small town in Ohio. It is both a coming of age story and the trials and tribulations of adulthood, with little opportunity. Both women follow different paths but eventually converge.
I have heard so many wonderful things about this little book that I had to see what all of the fuss was about. I read Morrison’s The Bluest Eye for a women’s studies course in university years ago and really got a lot out of it, so I was quite hopeful with Sula.
What I got, was what seemed like stereotyping. It seemed like Morrison was almost poking fun at her own culture. While the reader new what was happening, the story seemed to be intentionally confusing and ambiguous.
From the description on the back cover of this book, it says:
“Together, they create an unforgettable portrait of what it means and costs to be a black woman in America”
Granted, this book was written in 1973, but I pray that this does not define “what it means” to be a black woman anywhere!
I won’t go as far as saying that this book is a waste of time. I wouldn’t have finished reading it if I thought it was, but Morrison can and has done better.
2.5/5
2.5/5
Copyright 2007-2010: All the posts within this blog were originally posted by Teddy Rose and should not be reproduced without express written permission.
Sorry that you didn’t have a better experience, Teddy.
I rated the highly acclaimed book The Bluest Eye a 2.75/5. I think reading these types of books are great for book clubs, not just for pleasure reading. But…that’s just my opinion. 🙂
Teddy, I’m glad you liked The Bluest Eye. I started it last night – barely. It seems to be an easy read, but I’m wondering if it might be confusing. At least it’s a short book and I’ve wanted to read Morrison for a long time. I’m sorry you didn’t have a better experience with Sula.
Haven’t read any Morrison. I hear Atwood likes her though. Maybe I’ll stay away from this one.
I just picked up The Bluest Eye yesterday at the library. Hmmm….I guess we will see how it goes!!
I agree with you Joy. It would have been a good book club book. I would have gotten a lot out of the discussion. In fact, there were a few things I wanted to mention in my review, but didn’t want to give away spoilers.
Kristy,
I was quite a bit younger when I read The Bluest Eye and I was going through a divorce with an abusive husband. I think that’s why I could relate to it so much. It was a time that I was re-newing myself and claiming my power!
I’ll be interested to see what you think of it.
Chris,
I think Joy’s comment had a lot of validity to it. Sula would be a good book club book. There is a lot to discuss and I would have enjoyed it more.
Stephanie,
Let me know what you think of The Bluest Eye, when your finished reading it.
Sula was actually my introduction to Morrison. I really enjoyed it, but I read it for an Ethnic Lit class so had great lectures and class discussions to go on, too.
Lisa
I do think that makes a big difference Lisa. I don’t think I would read another Morrison book without others to discuss it with.
Teddy — I’m so terribly Morrison-illiterate; the only one I’ve read is Beloved, and that was nearly 15 years ago. What would you recommend out of her books?
Melissa,
I was about 20 when I read The Bluest Eye. I liked it then, but don’t know if I would like now. That’s the only other Morrison I have read besides Sula.
I don’t think I will read any more Morrison, unless it is for a book club, where I can discuss it. I don’t think her books are good for pleasure reading, as Joy pointed out in her comment.
I’ve actually never read any of Morrison’s works, but have had it in my mind to give her a try for some time now. I think based on your post and others’ comments I will start with The Bluest Eye. Thanks for the info. ; )
The Bluest Eye would be my recommendation for you Peachy.
I liked Sula, and have to disagree 100%, though I usually like most of your reviews. About it being read in 1973–remember that not only was it written then, but takes place even earlier in the 20th Century. While some characters seemed stereotypical, they weren’t all cut from the same cloth. Plus some stereotypes, like blacks being lazier than whites, are turned around, and the white workers are less productive. However, I have to admit that I like Song of Solomon much much more than Sula. I reviewed Sula on my blog http://bibliofreakblog.com/fiction/sula-iby-toni-morrisoni/
J.T, thanks for your insight. I will have to check out Song of Solomon.
Margaret Atwood likes her? Maybe this is an author to look up.