Rating: Summary: Fulfilling and thought-provoking Review: Song of Solomon was (surprisingly) one of the better novels that I have read recently. It is a story that everyone can enjoy whether they can relate to Milkman's personal history or not. Morrison makes the storyline somewhat difficult to follow, but the final 100 pages make all of the struggling worthwhile.This fine piece of American Literature is for EVERYONE.
Rating: Summary: Monument of 20th century literature Review: A prime example of why the "black literature" pigeonhole needs to be dropped. This is "human literature" at its finest, writing that most authors only dream of on their best days. Images, colors, character-- there is always more to find in this work, always more to unpeel and discover. Characters are complicated and layered; no "good guy" or "bad guy" notions fit here. The plot weaves spins, turns back on itself, twists and surprises-- the quality of story-telling alone makes this book worth your while. Its rewards are numerous and deep.
Rating: Summary: Third novel a triumph Review: Morrison's third novel does everything her first two attempted to do. With characters such as Pilate and Milkman, Morrison's characterization abilities are brought into full focus. It took Morrison 3 years to write the novel, and it was well worth the effort and time.
Rating: Summary: EVERYTHING good said so far-delves DEEP in American reality Review: Basically everything good everyone has said. Well deserving of the Nobel Prize. Morrison tears the throat out of racism, hatred, personal past, love, quest, journeys, love, love, humanity...she tells it like it truly is and was. I personally loved the part when she mocks the Bohemian lifestyle of that Michael-Mary Grahmm employer of Corinthians. It's brilliant. Morrison astonishes me and enraptured me and truly becomes one of the most gifted, needed storytellers of the twentieth century.
Rating: Summary: Challenging, but worth it Review: This is a Morrison masterpiece. The tale of Milkman and his search for identity can be easily identified with. As in all of Morrison's works, the characters are incredibly written, and are enough by themselves to draw the reader in. I thoroughly enjoyed Song of Solomon, and I highly recommend it to those willing to read a challenging work. The impact of the novel is worth it.
Rating: Summary: Fantastic Morrison Review: Song of Solomon is a triumph for Toni Morrison. In this book she weaves the tale of a man's search for himself and how he deals with the obstacles, ie his "best" friend, along the way. This is by far Ms. Morrison's longest work, and it is not the easiest read. This is not a book meant for casual perusal. This novel is meant to be read carefully with thought and a pen at your side. Ms. Morrison is expert at intermixing her own story with existing African folklore and characters from the Bible. A multi-dimensional book worthy of high praise and reading again and again. This is one of my favorite Morrison novels.
Rating: Summary: Superb Story Telling! Review: Creative, mystical, magical and at times simply phenomenal. I have yet to be disappointed by a Morrison novel. Her ability to reveal a plot from the center outward is masterful, poetic. In Song of Solomon, the characters teach us the importance of staying connected to your ancestry, the joy that comes with love - first of yourself, then of others. In the same novel, via the same characters, Morrison demonstrates how barren one is without the bond created when you know your people; how devastated and wanting one can become in the absence of love. Beautiful writing, great characters, complete fulfillment. Enjoy it!
Rating: Summary: The Range of Morrison's Writing Review: This being the third book that I read by Morrison, it seems that her range as a writing has kept on growing. I felt involved in the passion of the story as well as in the lives of the characters. Everyone and anyone can take something from this novel, for it is Milkman that should inspire us all.
Rating: Summary: It touched me, it moved me, it helped me... Review: This is the best book I've read so far. I may not have the most experience, but this one was just magic. For me, a sentimental guy, it was wonderful reading. I found it easy to read, despite the fact that English is not my first language. The reader should definately discuss it with others because he/she can explore even more aspects of life that are related in this novel. However, Toni Morrison covers much. What else can I say? I loved it. Thank you Ms. Morrison, I'll never forget this one.
Rating: Summary: not for book clubs, but a masterpiece Review: this book is not for a reader who wants a simple plot or who is not willing to concentrate on the text and think about it on numerous levels. in fact, it may even be a dangerous book for people like that. i have heard morrison called a racist, and i have heard her called a degrader of her own race, and unfortunately this is because her work lacks the inane quality of so many other works today that fit so easily into simple categories. so many readers today want works that reinforce their own sense of themselves, that make broad statements that have already been made, such as 'racism is bad,' and that consequently make them feel good by presenting plots that include them on the side of right. this author's work is hardly aimed at such generic ideals. instead, morrison weaves tales that destroy the very notion of racial superiority, setting up oppositions that not only show in detail the horrors of white discimination, but also the devestating effects of internal attempts by black groups or individuals at creating a heirarchy of their own where they might be superior to other blacks. this novel is about the lunacy of existing through stereotypical perceptions, and more importantly the horrific consequences of hate from all sides and the redeeming qualities of love from all sides. it is about so much more, but at its simplest level, it is about being american. this book is not for everyone, but if you're willing to think extremely hard about each page, and not afraid to accept that something of yourself, no matter what your race or gender may be, is almost certainly going to be indicted within it, by all means devour this incredibly beautiful and powerful story with no self-illusions, because it will make you a better person to have done it. this is toni morrison's masterpiece, and quite simply one of the greatest american novels of the 20th century.
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