Sorry, I know Morrison is a genius. Her writing is truly remarkable and has the power to transport readers to another world. However, I just cannot make peace with that ending. It left me feeling dissatisfied and a bit let down.

The story had been building up so well, with interesting characters and a captivating plot. I was completely engaged and eager to see how it would all unfold. But when I reached the end, it felt rushed and unresolved.

Despite this, I still give the book 4 stars. Morrison's talent as a writer is undeniable, and the rest of the story was so good that it almost makes up for the disappointing ending. I would still recommend this book to others, but I would also warn them about the ending.

Paradise is a complex and thought-provoking novel that can be encapsulated in a single sentence: "Everything that worries them must come from women." The story is built upon a series of conflicting binaries, such as men and women, tradition and modernity, past and future, and limits and freedom. Biblical allusions are abundant throughout the text, adding depth and a sense of historical significance.

The novel follows two exoduses. The first, in 1890, sees a group of Black people leave Oklahoma for Haven, hoping to establish a new all-Black community after being shut out of opportunities and progress. However, Haven eventually fails, leading to the second exodus in 1949 to Ruby, named after a woman who died due to Jim Crow. The character of Big Daddy, a Moses-like figure, plays an important role in these migrations.

There is an obsession over purity in Ruby, with only a select few families being considered of note. Colour is also a significant factor, with an emphasis on being "8-rock Black" and censure for those who deviate from this standard. The collective but hollow myth-making in the town further contributes to its complex and somewhat troubled atmosphere.

The wayward women of the convent are a particular source of concern for some of the prominent men in Ruby. They are seen as a threat to the town's values and traditions, as they choose to keep company with themselves rather than with men. This conflict lies at the heart of the novel's troubles.
Overall, Paradise has a very interesting structure, with the town itself almost functioning as a character. The last 50 pages or so are especially brilliant, recasting the rest of the story in an astoundingly new light. It is a novel that invites readers to思考关于性别、种族、传统与现代等诸多重要议题.

"But there was no pity here. Here, when the men spoke of the ruination that was upon them—how Ruby was changing in intolerable ways—they did not think to fix it by extending a hand in fellowship or love. They mapped defense instead and honed evidence for its need, till each piece fit an already polished groove."

It's really quite funny. I have made numerous attempts to persuade many of my friends to read this book. They all begin with great enthusiasm but then unfortunately stop along the way. However, I, on the other hand, have read it twice. And it's important to note that I rarely read books more than once, even if I truly have a deep affection for them.

I simply adored the complexity of this non-linear book. Each chapter is dedicated to the main women in the novel, and interestingly, even the town itself, Ruby, is personified. Ruby is an all-black town located in Oklahoma, which was founded by freed slaves. This town takes great pride in its rich history and its racial purity, among other aspects. It is precisely these beliefs that lead the town down the path of destruction when some women, who are not like the typical citizens of Ruby, move into the convent on the outskirts of the town.

I must admit that the first few chapters left me completely baffled, wondering what on earth was going on and how it all connected. But I have come to realize that all of Morrison's novels tend to be rather difficult to understand in the beginning. Nevertheless, by the end, I always feel thoroughly rewarded for my perseverance.