This is the second Toni Morrison novel that I have had the pleasure of reading. The first one was The Bluest Eye, which I read many years ago. Just last week, I took this book from our library. I was in search of something different from my typical crime or adventure genre to explore. The blurbs in this book compared it to Faulkner, and I believe that is a very appropriate comparison.

The novel revolves around a successful businessman who is the owner of a now decaying resort in a dying Florida town, as well as the women in his life. At the start of the book, Bill Cosey is already deceased. His story is gradually revealed through flashbacks and dialogues by the three main women in his life. There is also a "mystery" surrounding Cosey's death and his will.

I really liked how the story is presented in layers, slowly unfolding and revealing more and more details as the book progresses. Additionally, the dialogues sound so realistic, just like the way people truly talk in real life. Overall, this is an excellent book that I would highly recommend to others.

Toni Morrison doesn't write easy novels. She is first and foremost interested in women, especially African American women in the southern United States, but this novel is perhaps about all of us. Her heroines all have difficult fates, with tough characters and inner strength to face the challenges and complexities that constantly roll in like waves onto the shoreline of their lives.

The novel is complex-structured - times, voices, fates - all intertwined into a single thrilling fabric of narration. As usual, Morrison doesn't abstract from the problems of modernity and firmly weaves into the fabric of the narrative the unchanging racism, sexism, domestic and sexual violence, decadence, youth groups and the primitive herd instinct that prevails in them. But this novel is dedicated to women's dramas. The complex plot, fragmented and told by different people, revolves around the owner of the hotel Bill Cosey and the women who surrounded him. There are many women's dramas here. Yes, when emotions rage in one family, when close friends, almost contemporaries Hilda and Christine become relatives, with one of them being the granddaughter and the other the wife. They rebel and compete with each other, become enemies, fight for the inheritance, but then realize that they have loved each other all their lives, despite all the pain caused. The novel is called "Love", but at first glance, you can't recognize it here. Obviously, there is lust, there is decadence, there is crazy sex, there is love for personal gain and material well-being, and there is the purchase of love - those ugly forms of love born of the connection between love and money, especially an excess or need for it. Morrison admits that in our century, "everything is known, but nothing is understood" and she tries to understand herself and make the reader think.

She very accurately notes: "helpless women cannot hide their stupid naivety, such a girlish attitude that the prince, here he is, is approaching, already hurrying towards her." Before, I thought that such an expectation was characteristic of the entire female sex because of the wrong romanticized-fairy-tale plots on which girls are raised, but after thinking about it, I completely agree with the writer. An independent woman, relying only on her own strength, will not believe in anyone but herself. They wait for princes when they don't want to do anything and don't want to take responsibility for themselves.

Morrison harshly suppresses any attempts at self-justification as to why a woman whose fate has not worked out becomes embittered. Such a woman will almost always talk about the scumbag, the monster, because of which she became bitter but not brave, and such a woman would rather sleep with someone than let someone into her heart. If we continue Toni's thought, then to love, one must be brave. She examines different manifestations of love, its different faces, almost always unhappy.

Despite the fact that the heroines of the novel end it in financial well-being, almost all of them had to either come from marginalized circles or rotate in them for some period of their lives. About the rights that prevail in the marginal world, Morrison knows everything and writes about them vividly and powerfully. She has a simply crazy power of words. This is a rare gift.

The writing of this piece is beautifully done, and the characters are truly fantastic.

However, despite these strengths, I didn't really feel a sense of involvement with the story.

It was as if I was observing from a distance, unable to fully immerse myself in the events and emotions that were unfolding.

Perhaps it was the pacing of the narrative, or maybe the lack of a strong emotional connection for me.

Nevertheless, the author's talent for creating vivid characters and using beautiful language is undeniable.

It's just that for some reason, this particular story didn't quite draw me in as much as I would have liked.

Overall, it's a well-written piece with great potential, but it没能完全 capture my attention and engage me on a deeper level.

Maybe with a few adjustments or a different approach, the author could create a more immersive and engaging story that would truly resonate with readers.

3.5

I'm truly at a loss when it comes to rating this book.

On one hand, it is extremely well-written, with a narrative that is highly engaging from start to finish. The author has a remarkable ability to draw the reader in and keep them hooked.

However, on the other hand, the content is simply not enjoyable in the slightest. The central theme of an old man marrying an 11-year-old is just so morally wrong and deeply disturbing that it makes it incredibly difficult to read.

In fact, it took me an inordinately long time to finish this book, despite the fact that it is rather short. I often found myself reluctant to pick it back up again, dreading having to confront the uncomfortable and unpalatable subject matter.

Overall, while the writing quality is undeniable, the content makes it a very hard book to recommend or rate positively.

For me, "Love" holds a significant place in Morrison's novels, ranking in the second tier along with "Tar Baby," "Paradise," and "Sula."

It delves into the lives of a black seaside community, particularly focusing on four women whose stories revolve around the owner of the local hotel.

The narration, typical of Morrison, is non-linear, allowing us to hear the women's tales directly from their own voices. These stories are filled with elements of abuse, neglect, and manipulation, painting a complex and often painful picture of their lives.

I was particularly pleased when the two protagonists, who initially seem at odds with each other, come together at the end to face their differences.

Despite the presence of violence and hardship throughout the narrative, there is a glimmer of hope at the conclusion. As the passage on page 202 shows, the relationship between the two characters has evolved, and there is a sense of acceptance and even a shared longing.

This gives the reader a sense that, perhaps, love and understanding can prevail even in the most difficult of circumstances.

Overall, "Love" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the themes of race, gender, and relationships with Morrison's characteristic depth and beauty.

Toni Morrison writes, and I read. Such a masterful writer, it doesn't even feel like I'm reading but rather as if she is whispering to me at the bottom of my ear. Because she makes her characters speak so realistically, beautifully, and the narrators as well.

An abandoned hotel, two elderly women left behind by the hotel owners, the emptiness they live in, the enmity between them, and the young Junior who falls into this house like a fire. And of course, let's not forget L who joins us as a narrator in between.

Toni Morrison unfolds everything, the entire story, in such a beautiful way. When we reach the end, we understand so well the stories of the two women with the enmity that has come between them, what Junior has learned in his eagerness to live and to survive, and what L has done for this family...

There is no one we can be enemies with. We can't even get angry at the shameless Cosey who married the friend of her 11-year-old grandson. Just as L said, "You can call him a good bad man or a bad good man, depending on what you base it on - what, the reason? I avoid confusing the two."

Behind all this story, there is the 100-year change of a coastal town, the positions of the blacks, the events of 1968, mothers, fathers and their genetic and traumatic inheritances, the libido that burns the minds of the youth... Does Morrison's stories end?

(And in 1968, the story of a white comrade who raped a black girl in an underground organization and was protected and shielded by the men and not kicked out by the commander, what a similar story, still similar...)

A novel about every cell of a human being in the wonderful Turkish of Püren Özören...

There are an abundance of quotes in this book that I am eager to jot down and commit to memory forever.

It is a beautifully written and astonishingly crafted narrative that delves into the intricacies of love, human relationships, family, betrayal, innocence, and friendship.

The story poses fascinating questions regarding the true meaning of love and whether most individuals are capable of giving it for reasons other than self-interest or to fulfill a personal need.

Every character's story is presented from multiple perspectives, not always in a linear fashion. While this can make the book somewhat perplexing and challenging to follow at times, it is well worth persevering with, as everything becomes crystal clear by the conclusion of this exquisitely written novel, which is like a precious jewel box.

Just when you are on the verge of passing judgment on a character's actions or forming an opinion about their character, you view them from another angle, as told through the voice of a different character, providing you with an entirely distinct understanding of their motives and character.

It is a story that demands patience, refrains from passing judgment, and instead asks you to observe, wait, and develop empathy by comprehending the history of each character. Now that I have completed the book, I intend to read it again, as the story has numerous layers and insights that I believe will become even more profound with each reading.

2 for 2, Morrison is truly on another level. His talent and skills are simply outstanding. In every aspect, whether it's his writing style, character development, or the depth of his stories, he展现出了非凡的创造力和想象力. His works have the power to transport readers to different worlds and make them feel a wide range of emotions. Morrison's unique perspective and ability to tell complex and engaging stories set him apart from other writers. His books are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, making readers reflect on various aspects of life. With each new work, he continues to raise the bar and prove that he is a master of his craft. It's no wonder that he has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the literary world. Morrison's influence is far-reaching, and his works will continue to be cherished and studied for years to come.

Toni, you did it again, you brilliant woman, you.

I am truly at a loss for words. This latest novel of hers is one of the most messed up ones, yet at the same time, it is more accessible and easier to understand when compared to her earlier work.

Her unique writing style and the complex themes she explores never fail to amaze me. In this novel, she delves deep into the human psyche, revealing the darkest and most hidden aspects of our nature.

The story is filled with twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat, constantly guessing what will happen next.

Despite its disturbing nature, there is also a certain beauty and elegance in Toni's writing that makes this novel a must-read for any fan of literature.

I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

I really struggled to get into this book.

I read the first half in tiny sections, but that didn't seem to help much.

The author's depiction of the complex characters is truly amazing.

Surprisingly, I really loved the last one-third of the book.

I have to admit that I think reading this book a second time would likely be a better experience than the first.

Maybe on the second reading, I'll be able to better understand the nuances and subtleties that I might have missed the first time around.

I'm looking forward to giving it another go and seeing if my perception of the book changes.

Overall, despite the initial struggle, I'm glad I persevered and made it through to the end.

It's a book that definitely has something to offer, and I think it's worth taking the time to read and explore.

3.5. It was way too fucked up to be rushed. However, I did it anyway and now I deeply regret it.

Every man in this book seems to deserve to be stoned. Their actions and behaviors are so unacceptable and appalling that one can't help but feel a sense of outrage.

Their deeds have caused great harm and pain, not only to the individuals directly involved but also to the society as a whole.

It makes one wonder how such men could exist and get away with their actions for so long.

Perhaps it is time for a reckoning, for justice to be served and for these men to face the consequences of their actions.

Only then can we hope for a better and more just world, where such fucked up things no longer happen and where people are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

3.5 stars.

My first encounter with Toni Morrison was through this particular book, which happens to be one of her least read works.

It demanded more concentration than I could manage during my work breaks. As a result, I ended up finishing the majority of it at home, in a proper reading session.

The story had a certain complexity that made it a little challenging to keep track of or precisely understand what the main focus was supposed to be.

However, despite this minor drawback, it's impossible not to recognize that Morrison is an incredibly talented writer. Her prose is captivating and engaging.

I'm really looking forward to delving into more of her work. In fact, I already own "Beloved" and "Paradise," and I can't wait to explore those as well.

This book is yet another entry for my project of reading a book from each year of my life, in chronological order. It's been an interesting journey so far, and I'm excited to see where it takes me next.