Title: Sula
Author: Toni Morrison
First published January 1, 1973
174 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780452283862 (ISBN10: 0452283868)
Rating: 4
Overview
Sula by Toni Morrison is a powerful and poignant novel that delves into the lives of two black heroines from their childhood in a small Ohio town to their vastly different paths of womanhood. Nel Wright has chosen to stay in her hometown, becoming a devoted wife, mother, and leader in the black community.
Meanwhile, Sula Peace has ventured out into the world, immersing herself in college life and city living. When she returns, she is a non-conformist and seductive rebel.
As the two women confront each other, they must also face the consequences of their choices. This novel captures the complexity and cost of being a black woman in America, creating an unforgettable portrait of their struggles and triumphs.
About the Author
Toni Morrison, whose birth name was Chloe Ardelia Wofford, was a renowned American author, editor, and professor. Her exceptional work earned her the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993 for her ability to bring American reality to life through visionary and poetic novels.
Morrison’s writing style is characterized by epic themes, engaging dialogue, and a detailed portrayal of African American characters. Her most famous books include “Beloved,” “Song of Solomon,” and “The Color Purple,” which won the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1988.
In 2001, she was also recognized as one of the 30 most powerful women in America by Ladies’ Home Journal.
Editoral Review
As a book reviewer for the Washington Post, I am excited to recommend Toni Morrison’s masterpiece, Sula. The novel, first published in 1973, explores themes of race, gender, and friendship against the backdrop of a small Ohio town.
Toni Morrison is a Nobel Prize-winning author known for her poetic and profound writing style. With her second novel, Sula, Morrison solidified her place as one of America’s most important and influential novelists.
The novel tells the story of two young black women, Sula and Nel, who grow up together in the Bottom, a black neighborhood in Ohio. The two girls come from very different backgrounds: Sula is free-spirited and rebellious, while Nel is more traditional and cautious.
As they grow older, their friendship is tested by societal pressures and their own individual desires. Morrison’s writing is stunning, with language that is both poetic and accessible.
Through her skillful use of imagery and metaphor, she captures the essence of the characters’ emotions and the world they inhabit. The characters in Sula are complex and fully realized, each with their own unique struggles and desires.
The novel explores themes of family, community, and identity in a way that is both universal and culturally specific. Sula is not just a great work of literature, it also has significant historical and cultural importance.
The novel explores the experiences of black women in America during a time of great social change. It highlights the struggles and resilience of the black community, and the ways in which they have thrived in the face of adversity.
As I read Sula, I was struck by the beauty and power of Morrison’s writing, as well as the depth of the themes she explores. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in literature, history, or social justice.
It is a timeless masterpiece that will leave a lasting impression on its readers. With its evocative language, dynamic characters, and powerful themes, Sula is a must-read for anyone who appreciates great literature.
I give it my highest recommendation and a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
