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Beloved Trilogy #1

Beloved

toni morrison a.s. byatt

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Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Toni Morrison’s Beloved is a spellbinding and dazzlingly innovative portrait of a woman haunted by the past.

Sethe was born a slave and escaped to Ohio, but eighteen years later she is still not free. She has borne the unthinkable and not gone mad, yet she is still held captive by memories of Sweet Home, the beautiful farm where so many hideous things happened. Meanwhile Sethe’s house has long been troubled by the angry, destructive ghost of her baby, who died nameless and whose tombstone is engraved with a single word: Beloved.

Sethe works at beating back the past, but it makes itself heard and felt incessantly in her memory and in the lives of those around her. When a mysterious teenage girl arrives, calling herself Beloved, Sethe’s terrible secret explodes into the present.

316 pages, Hardcover

First published September 16,1987
Series
Beloved Trilogy
Literary awards
pulitzer prize, american book award, anisfield-wolf book award, national book critics circle award, frederic g. melcher book award, national book award finalist, 
Places
ohio, kentucky, the united states of america, 

This edition

Format
316 pages, Hardcover
Published
October 17, 2006 by Everyman's Library
ISBN
9780307264886
ASIN
0307264882
Language
English
Characters More characters

More editions

About the author

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toni morrison

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Chloe Anthony Wofford Morrison, known as Toni Morrison, was an American novelist and editor. Her first novel, The Bluest Eye, was published in 1970. The critically acclaimed Song of Solomon (1977) brought her national attention and won the National Book Critics Circle Award. In 1988, Morrison won the Pulitzer Prize for Beloved (1987); she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993.
Born and raised in Lorain, Ohio, Morrison graduated from Howard University in 1953 with a B.A. in English. Morrison earned a master's degree in American Literature from Cornell University in 1955. In 1957 she returned to Howard University, was married, and had two children before divorcing in 1964. Morrison became the first black female editor for fiction at Random House in New York City in the late 1960s. She developed her own reputation as an author in the 1970s and '80s. Her novel Beloved was made into a film in 1998. Morrison's works are praised for addressing the harsh consequences of racism in the United States and the Black American experience.
The National Endowment for the Humanities selected Morrison for the Jefferson Lecture, the U.S. federal government's highest honor for achievement in the humanities, in 1996. She was honored with the National Book Foundation's Medal of Distinguished Contribution to American Letters the same year. President Barack Obama presented her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on May 29, 2012. She received the PEN/Saul Bellow Award for Achievement in American Fiction in 2016. Morrison was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 2020.

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Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 97 votes)
5 stars
29(30%)
4 stars
36(37%)
3 stars
32(33%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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97 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
juviin
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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If you ever had the experience of going "parking" as a teenager, perhaps in a secluded marsh where you believed you were all alone. But then, suddenly, the cops shouted through the loudspeakers, "Ok folks the party's over. Go home!" Immediately, a dozen car engines roared to life and headlights blazed on. You then truly understand what it means to desire privacy.

What Morrison accomplishes is to remind us that slaves, too, were once teenagers. They yearned for the touch of each other's bodies. And yet, they were not always able to find that intimacy without being observed. I will refrain from revealing more details about the scene here to avoid spoiling it for you.

From the reviews I have perused, it seems that the horrors described in this book have overshadowed the joys for many readers.

The first of these joys becomes evident in the very first pages. Paul D. does something that distinguishes him from most men. As someone who bears scars, I can attest that there are those who pretend the scars don't exist, those who simply ask about them, but there is a truly rare lover who treats those scars as an altar and kneels before them.

Beloved would be a very concise book and an effortless read if Sethe could feel Paul D. kissing her back.

Read it for the captivating love story. Read it to recapture the essence of being a teenager once again or, for a brief moment, to step into the shoes of that woman with scars and the man with a heart big enough to turn her world upside down.
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Huntermynameuf
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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RIP, Beloved Toni Morrison! You changed the way I read!

Sometimes reality is simply too excruciating to be dealt with in a straightforward, unadorned narrative.

At times, the truth must be reached through circuitous motions, gradually delving into the core of the issue via shifting, loosely connected stories that delicately brush against the wound, without getting perilously close too swiftly.

Often, I turn to reading as a means of escaping my own reality, only to discover myself immersed in a universe that is infinitely more intricate, more agonizing, and more arduous to fathom and navigate.

There are moments when fundamental statements such as "I could never understand why a mother would kill her child" seem to disintegrate, leaving me with a befuddled sense of no longer precisely knowing what is right and what is wrong, considering certain brutally harsh circumstances.

Occasionally, novels震撼 me and leave me scarred, simultaneously filled with无尽的悲伤 and gratitude.

Beloved Toni Morrison. Your voice resounds loudly and clearly through the haze of political thought. Your characters come alive, breathe, and REFUSE to be reduced to simplistic explanations.

If you desire to understand the profound impact of slavery on people, read Beloved.

It will indubitably have an effect on you. It left me utterly speechless.
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VikingHaag
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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\n  
Freeing yourself was one thing; claiming ownership of that freed self was another.
\n

This book is truly devastating and distressing. It is a work that demands to be read with great care, for the stories it unfolds are harrowing and terrible. One could write at length about Morrison's exemplary use of motifs such as milk and trees, which are masterfully woven through the narrative. Her imagination and lyricism shine through even when she is writing about the most horrifying of subjects. The intensity and power of this story are such that it gets right under the skin. However, none of these aspects truly do justice to the experience that this book offers. It is flawless in its execution, and pitch-perfect in presenting hopes of healing without ever glossing over the terrible ghosts of slavery's legacies. It is a work that will stay with you long after you have turned the final page, making you reflect on the past and its lasting impact on the present.

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Saltmachine
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Absolutely Incredible

This phrase "Absolutely Incredible" holds a certain power and charm. It expresses a sense of wonder and amazement that is truly profound. When we encounter something that is absolutely incredible, it has the ability to take our breath away and leave us in a state of awe.

It could be a natural wonder, like a magnificent waterfall or a breathtaking sunset. The beauty and grandeur of these scenes are simply beyond words and can make us feel small in the face of such vastness. Or it could be a human achievement, such as a scientific breakthrough or a remarkable work of art. These feats of human ingenuity and creativity are a testament to our limitless potential.

Absolutely Incredible can also describe an experience that is truly unforgettable. It might be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, like skydiving or traveling to a far-off destination. These experiences push us out of our comfort zones and allow us to discover new aspects of ourselves.

In conclusion, the phrase "Absolutely Incredible" encompasses all that is wonderful, amazing, and awe-inspiring in the world. It reminds us to look for the extraordinary in the ordinary and to appreciate the beauty and wonder that surrounds us every day.
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akiachan
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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5+ stars - Toni Morrison, the winner of the 1998 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, masterfully crafts the story of 'Beloved'. Set in 1873, Ohio, the novel follows three women - Baby Suggs, her daughter-in-law Sethe, and Sethe's daughter Denver - living in the house at 124 Bluestone Road. There is also a fourth presence, the ghost of Sethe's dead baby girl, whose headstone is etched with the word 'Beloved'. The ghost, acting like a frustrated toddler, causes chaos in the house, even injuring the dog. Sethe's two sons leave, chased away by the ghost or some other unknown terror. Soon after, Baby Suggs dies, having contemplated colors but never reaching red.


This beautifully written story delves into the horrors of slavery, its consequences, and the aftermath on the mind, soul, and body of its victims. The novel is filled with a pervasive sense of sadness and grief, as seen in the presence of the ghost, Paul D's trembling, Baby Suggs' memories of her sold children, and Sethe's remembrance of her escape from Sweet Home. Morrison peels back layer after layer of sorrow as the characters reflect on their pasts and the impact of slavery on their present and future. The arrival of Paul D triggers Sethe's memories of the events at Sweet Home.


At times, the narrative can be difficult to follow due to its fluid timeline, but patience pays off as the story unfolds. Morrison's storytelling voice is captivating, leading the reader forward without the need to understand everything immediately. Her vivid imagery, such as the scar on someone's back that looks like a tree and the description of bluefern, adds depth to the story. The themes of loss, grief, and the trauma of slavery are explored, but there are also glimmers of hope, such as the colors in the sky and the support of the community.


'Beloved' is my first encounter with Morrison's work, but it will not be my last. The narrative often feels like a dreamscape, perhaps intentionally so, as dreams can bring recognition to daytime struggles. This novel is a beautiful gift to American literature, giving voice to the voiceless. It not only carries a weighty and important message but does so through the perfect words of its characters, the voices of African Americans and Toni Morrison herself. Highly recommended!
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GreatS
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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3.5 stars. This work is achingly beautiful. It is so profound that I might have to read it a few times to fully grasp everything and truly appreciate its essence.

When I finally do understand it completely, I will probably write a full review to express my thoughts and feelings.

The words in this piece are so powerful and moving.

"Beloved
You are my sister
You are my daughter
You are my face; you are me
I have found you again; you have come back to me
You are my Beloved
You are mine
You are mine
You are mine"

It seems to convey a deep and intense connection, a love that is beyond description.

Another one! This makes me eager to explore more of such wonderful works and immerse myself in the world of literature.

I can't wait to see what other treasures await me.

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Blumenkranzzz
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The novel is a remarkable literary form that has captivated readers for centuries. It has the power to transport us to different worlds, introduce us to a diverse range of characters, and make us experience a gamut of emotions.


A good novel has the ability to engage our minds and hearts from the very first page. It draws us in with its compelling plot, filled with twists and turns that keep us on the edge of our seats. The characters in a novel are brought to life through vivid descriptions and their actions and dialogues. We become invested in their stories, rooting for the heroes and despising the villains.


Moreover, the novel allows us to explore different themes and ideas. It can offer insights into human nature, society, and the world around us. It can make us think, question, and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.


In conclusion, the novel is a truly unique and valuable form of literature. It has the potential to enrich our lives and leave a lasting impact on us. Whether we are reading for entertainment or for a more profound experience, the novel has something to offer everyone.
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Darkmazo
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Rereads are now more often to follow. The second reading of this book really hit home for me.

Since I could now fully engage with the book linguistically and stylistically, I was able to deal with the content in a much more focused way. And lo and behold, I was actually able to find quite a few biblical parallels from the Old Testament. It's no wonder that Morrison herself quotes Romans 9:25 at the beginning of her book. Only that we search in vain for God in the book. He is this ominous void, of which there are many in the book. Gaps that the reader is allowed to fill, with the help of symbolism, to make the transitions to the unreachable hard reality bearable and manageable. Morrison negotiates pain, in its most glorious depths, with a sensuality that escapes hearing and seeing. We smell, feel, see, associate, are receptive to any stimulus that may "hang on spiky trees". Now we are ready to pull aside the shield that protects us from reality and look into the unfathomable ugliness of mankind. Or, we make use of the gaps and voids, cling to blooming trees and cheerful color games, whisper: "just less pain, that would be something" and end a good book in a noble distance.

I recommend the radical cure! Maybe we will be rewarded with a little solidarity :-)

Statements from the first reading in May 2022:

My dear swan. That was demanding. I have never read such a style. Unspeakable suffering, atrocities and complete deprivation of being human. Even the rooster on the dung heap has more dignity and identity than our protagonists.

Toni Morrison has chosen a flowery, mystical language and makes extensive use of various images. Nature, flowers, trees and colors play an important role. Pathos does not occur. Many scenes seem grotesquely distorted, as they describe the horrors in a trance-like state and allow little emotionality for the protagonists. Broken people who are stuck in the past and find no place in "the outside world". To this comes a metaphysical component that is very well chosen to emphasize the tornness and the emotional struggles enclosed within.

In itself, everything is worth 5 stars, if it weren't for my personal taste:

The narrative style is too confusing. Especially in the first half, I often didn't know where we were and what she wanted to tell me. I often had to read passages several times. This did not ensure a nice reading flow and left me easily nervous. The images, metaphorical explanations and nebulous descriptions: too much!
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