Beloved (Plume Contemporary Fiction)

Rating:
Summary: A novel that deserves a second reading
Review: Toni Morrison shines in this novel with the use of powerful, spell-binding writing. Creatively apt metaphors abound, "Beloved" showcases a feast of brilliant storytelling techniques which promises to mesmerize the reader. Well-crafted life-like dialogues, a convoluted yet captivating storyline and heartwrenching themes are just some of the gems that can be found in the book. Through a story set in rurual Ohio several years after the Civil War, "Beloved" is founded on the aftermath of the protagonist(Sethe)'s escape from slavery. The opening statement "124 was spiteful" set the tone for the book. Though a free person now, Sethe is still tortured by memories of the past. She wants to let go and start life anew, but her child whom she killed, the tree-like scars on her back, stories of from Paul D and Stamp all return to haunt her. Not many will be able to rationalize Sethe's intention behind murdering her children. However, considering the setting of the scene with "four horsemen", reminiscent of the biblical Apocalypse, we are actually more inclined to empathize with Sethe.

The inhumane treatment of the black slaves described so vividly reminds us of the atrocities of slavery. "Beloved" also seeks to illustrate the theme of love - mother-daughter love, sisterly love, heterosexual love and brotherhood love among the blacks. The book's allusion to a ghost wreaking havoc in the house is only an excuse for the unfolding of the plot.

"Beloved" is a book that scores on the depth of the issues covered, the marvel of its storytelling and the soundness of characterization. A first reading may leave the reader a little confused, but subsequent readings will leave him in a savoury mode. "Beloved" is ambitious writing, but Toni turned in a spectacular performance. Few will not be touched by it.


Rating:
Summary: A Rich Tapestry
Review: Toni Morrrison's writing style in her beautiful novel Beloved is reminiscent of poetry. The writing is concentrated; each word has purpose and conveys meaning to the reader. She doesn't concern herself so much with writing conventions as with telling the story. A book of this style is incredible because you read some sections and are left only with a feeling that is hard to articulate. Reading this novel was for me a highly emotional experience. Beloved, with its rich tapestry of images and emotions, left an indelible impression on my soul. Using unforgettable characters, Toni Morrison illustrates the balance that we must achieve with the past in a story dealing with the aftermath of slavery. Sethe, the protagonist, is haunted by the past, by slavery and the death of her oldest daughter, only referred to as Beloved. She swings between pushing the past away and being totally consumed by her previous actions. Morrison weaves the story together in a way that draws you into the life and experiences of Sethe. When I think of strong women, the image of Sethe will be conjured up in my mind. She is a symbol of sorrow and suffering but also of love.