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.

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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Freeing yourself was one thing; claiming ownership of that freed self was another.

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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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

DNF@43%.

I found myself in a rather strange situation while attempting to read this particular book.

For some reason, I was completely unable to establish any sort of connection with the characters.

It was as if they were mere words on a page, lacking any real depth or authenticity that could draw me in.

Maybe it's just that this is not the right time for me to be delving into such bleak and somber books.

My mind seems to be in a different state, perhaps craving something more uplifting and engaging.

Whatever the reason may be, I have decided to put this book aside for now and explore other literary works that might better suit my current mood and interests.

Who knows, maybe I'll come back to it at a later time and discover that it holds a newfound charm and significance for me.

3.5 Stars

This is truly one terrifying emotional story. If you believe you have heard or read the worst about the brutality and despicable acts of slavery, Beloved might just alter your perception as you venture into the haunted realm of 124 Bluestone Road.

I have a great fondness for a novel that features a good old active (and revengeful) spirit and a slow build-up to a shocking secret (OMG infanticide). However, the narration switches (sometimes even in the middle of a paragraph), which was rather confusing and a bit irritating to me.

As I grapple with rating this intensely powerful Pulitzer Prize winner, I recall the evil that prevailed at Sweet Home Farm, the vivid characters with their interesting names (Stamped Paid, and Here Boy, the dog...my personal favorites) and "Schoolteacher".....a term I never thought I would loathe.....realizing that this is indeed a remarkable story despite my personal aversion to the writing style.

It is absolutely a great discussion novel, but not a book that I would read again.

This is a powerfully disturbing, poetically dense exploration of the consequences of slavery on the psyche and spirit of a woman named Sethe. It delves deep into the horrors and traumas that slavery inflicted, painting a vivid and complex picture. The writing is often beautifully crafted, with Morrison's words flowing like a river of emotions.

However, there are aspects of her ambitious approach that create a certain distancing effect at times. Her use of language and the structure of the story can be challenging for some readers. Nevertheless, her ear for dialogue is impeccable. She allows her characters to interact in delicately drawn encounters, filled with subtlety and nuance, without any intrusive authorial commentary.

This novel is very much a ghost story. Although it has never been shelved among SFF or horror literature (to my knowledge), it truly belongs there. This highlights the limited and narrow view that the mainstream literary world has of these genres. I would highly recommend that any writer working on a ghost story read this to learn the art of crafting a convincing and engaging tale.

No matter how this novel is classified or shelved, I am deeply impressed by Morrison's deft handling of ineffable mysteries and her effective portrayal of how the haunting of our past can wreak havoc on our present. I read this during Banned Books Week as a tribute to the importance of freedom of expression and the power of literature to explore the darkest corners of the human experience.

Beloved is not just a horror novel; it is the Great American Horror Novel. Sorry, Stephen King. While his evil clowns and alcoholic would-be writers are creepy, they pale in comparison to the terrifying specter of American slavery that haunts the pages of Beloved. I was physically chilled over and over again while reading this book. Great horror, to me, has a scary element like a ghost, but lurking behind it is something so vast and evil that trying to fathom it can drive you insane. Beloved achieved exactly that. It worked as horror, and even more so, it worked as great American literature. There seems to be such a thing as national novels, books that are so specifically about "The American Experience" that as an American reading them, it feels special and intimate, as if it's a book about my own family. Slavery is an essential part of our heritage, and reading this treatment of it felt very personal, like listening to secrets about my grandparents. Beloved delved deep into the heart of the American experience, and although I don't usually think in those terms, this book forced me to, which is one of the many reasons it affected me so deeply.

I feel that Morrison has a reputation and associations that are completely at odds with what her work is truly like. Maybe it's the Toni-with-an-i thing, or perhaps it's the Oprah connection and the fact that she's a female author. But whatever the reasons, those who haven't read her might believe that Morrison writes lovely, lyrical, ladylike books that will soften the heart and elevate the soul. And in a way, she does, but these lovely books will also give you seriously deranged nightmares. Toni Morrison must be out of her mind to write such things. I can't imagine what it would be like to have this incredibly twisted stuff come out of my brain. Of course, the most horrific parts of the book aren't invented. Morrison clearly spent a great deal of time researching the historical record of slavery and pondering its effects and meaning. Her ability to extract a novel like this from that past is just incomprehensible. Because, in fact, Beloved is indeed lovely and lyrical, but it's about the most disturbing shit imaginable. It's interesting to see the divide among people on this site regarding Morrison. Many people loathe her, which is understandable considering her subject matter. Some girl on here was like, "UGH! Beastiality, rape, torture, infanticide.... Toni Morrison is DISGUSTING!" And well, that girl has a point. This book was pretty icky, but it's about an icky topic, you know?

In a strange way, this felt a bit like the anti-Proust. It's about memory, but instead of being a plotless, enchanting, European meander through a picturesque past, Beloved is a brutal and ruthless American cousin with rough, bloody hands, running through the woods screaming. The book is about the problem of memory, specifically the memory of trauma, both on a personal and national level. I feel like everyone always wants to write great books about the most terrible things, but the truth is, doing so well is incredibly difficult. Maybe that's why there are so many bad books about tragedy and so many good books about boring people's mundane little problems. You really have to know what you're doing to write about the most terrible shit well, and Morrison chose THE most terrible shit in America's past and then wrote an original and organic ghost story that deserves its hallowed place in American literature. You know, one thing we think about in social work school (or that I thought about, anyway) is the relationship between macro events or phenomena (like a war or racism) and its micro effects on individuals. This book depicts the effects of slavery on people, both individually and collectively, with shattering genius. But don't try this at home, folks! She is a woman of unusual talent and skills, and in most people's clumsy hands, this effort would be dangerous.

Beloved isn't flawless, and it's not one of my all-time favorite books or anything. However, it is a great classic, and I think everyone who hasn't already should read it. Well, actually, let me amend that. As noted, a lot of people on here hate this book. If you struggle to follow a slightly nonlinear narrative or are white and feel personally affronted by descriptions of historical wrongs perpetrated by white people on black people, you might choose another book club selection. But everyone else, I think, should give this a go, especially if you love ghost stories!

P.S. I just had a really fun idea for a literary double date, which would be Cathy from Wuthering Heights with Beloved, and Medea with Sethe. They could all go on the Oprah show together and talk about their traumatic experiences! I would definitely, definitely watch that, and I bet other people would too.