\\n  4/5 Stars\\n


Morrison continues to prove why she is considered one of the best American writers of all time!



I had the pleasure of reading Beloved last year, and it quickly made its way onto my list of Top Books of the Year. This year, I delved into my second novel by Morrison, and I must say, it was truly great! While I still hold a special place in my heart for Beloved, this new novel had all the elements that I have come to expect and love from Morrison - beautiful writing and complex characters.

The story follows a diverse group of characters, with the Childs family taking center stage. They work at an old white man's mansion in the Caribbean. One day, a mysterious person arrives unannounced, and their lives are forever changed. The characters in this novel are incredibly complex. Each one has their own flaws and strengths, and as the story progresses, we see definite growth and change in them. My personal favorites were Ondine and Jadine. Every time they appeared on the page, I was completely engrossed in their dialogue and thoughts.

Speaking of dialogue, I cannot praise Morrison enough for her remarkable skills in this area. Her dialogue is some of the best I have read in a long time. It feels so natural and真实, as if the characters are truly alive and having a conversation. I think people often overlook the importance of writing great dialogue, but Morrison has mastered this art. Some of the most powerful moments in the book are when two or more characters are simply talking, without any narration in between.

This novel is Morrison's unique take on the \\"love story\\", and I really enjoyed how she was able to set it up, complete with all its problems and high points. However, I do wish we could have seen more of the love story unfold. It felt a bit rushed at times, and I wanted to spend more time with the characters and their relationships.

My only major complaint about this book was the pacing. In some sections, it felt a bit slow and lagged, while in others, it was too fast-paced. There wasn't always a perfect balance. But, despite this minor flaw, I still absolutely loved this book. It is a testament to Morrison's talent as a writer that she can create such a captivating and thought-provoking story, even with a few pacing issues.

I am already eagerly anticipating reading more of Morrison's work. She is truly a master of her craft, and I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us.

(Also, P.S., do some of the characters in Beloved have mentions in this book?! Horace and Frank G. are mentioned briefly, and I think they were in Beloved right?? Or am I remembering wrong?)

“It was a silly age, twenty-five; too old for teenaged dreaming, too young for settling down. Every corner was a possibility and a dead end.”

This quote perfectly captures the essence of that in-between stage of life. At twenty-five, one is caught between the youthful exuberance of adolescence and the responsibilities of adulthood. It's a time when every decision feels momentous, yet there's a sense of uncertainty and confusion.

While the drama of Toni Morrison's Tar Baby primarily unfolds on an isolated Caribbean island, creating the illusion of a community free from the dictates of a larger society, the characters are far from free. They are burdened by the attitudes imposed on them and a history of slavery. Outwardly, this novel may seem less rooted in history than some of Morrison's others, but she masterfully reveals that her characters are deeply shaped by it. Their actions and behaviors are almost predestined, even when they appear to have escaped.

The characters in Tar Baby may not be very sympathetic, but the story is undeniably compelling. It forces us to confront the complex issues of race, identity, and history. “I wonder if the person he wants to marry is me or a black girl? And if it isn't me he wants, but any black girl who looks like me, talks and acts like me, what will happen when he finds out that I hate ear hoops, that I don't have to straighten my hair, that Mingus puts me to sleep, that sometimes I want to get out of my skin and be only the person inside-- not American-- not black-- just me?” This internal struggle of the protagonist adds another layer of depth to the story, making it a thought-provoking read.

I haven't read all of Toni Morrison's novels such as Sula, Paradise, and Love, but I have read most of them. Among those I've read, Tar Baby is by far the most digestible. It doesn't mean it lacks depth; rather, it's a bit easier to read and more mainstream. If someone approached me and said they wanted to start reading Morrison, and I knew they weren't strong or attentive readers, I would definitely recommend this book.

It's her most modern work. The story is set in the '70s and delves into issues that black women of our era face, like the lack of identity, the rift between older and new generations, and the conflict between modern civilization and nature.

Even though Tar Baby touches on these themes, the story is more accessible because, essentially, it's a classic love story. Two characters, seemingly complete opposites from entirely different backgrounds, meet and unexpectedly fall in love. Of course, if you know Morrison, you know this isn't the whole story, and the elements of their relationship do become more complicated.

This book is beautifully written. My favorite aspect of the novel has to be the island she creates, which almost seems alive and breathing. You can almost sense the humanity while reading. Truly, an amazing accomplishment.

I also liked the ending of this book. Morrison has a tendency to end her books in an ambiguous way that can sometimes be somewhat unsatisfying. However, I didn't feel this way at the end of Tar Baby. Even though there is a lot of room for interpretation, I still felt satisfied, and the book didn't end in a Disney-like neatly tied ribbon either.

Any negatives I have would be just nitpicking. The only thing I can say is that I think Song of Solomon, The Bluest Eye, and Beloved are all better books, but that's really not fair because those are all-time classic books. I would highly recommend Tar Baby, especially if you're new to Morrison.

Toni Morrison is a renowned and highly influential author.

One remarkable thing about Toni Morrison is her penchant for writing unsettling endings.

Her works are known for delving deep into the complex and often disturbing aspects of human nature and society.

By crafting endings that are not easily digestible or comforting, Morrison challenges her readers to confront uncomfortable truths and to grapple with the profound themes she explores.

Her unsettling endings leave a lasting impact, forcing us to question our own beliefs and assumptions and to engage with the text on a deeper level.

Whether it is the tragic conclusion of a character's journey or the ambiguous resolution of a conflict, Morrison's endings are a testament to her artistic vision and her ability to create works that are both thought-provoking and emotionally powerful.

They serve as a reminder that the world is not always a neat and tidy place, and that sometimes, the most profound insights come from facing the darkness within ourselves and in the world around us.

I truly needed more! This book is definitely one that I will reread someday.

It has left such a profound impact on me that I can't help but yearn for more of its wonderful content.

The story, the characters, and the overall atmosphere of the book are all so captivating that I find myself constantly thinking about it.

Rereading it will allow me to discover new details and gain a deeper understanding of its themes and messages.

I'm looking forward to that day when I can once again immerse myself in the world of this amazing book.

It's like a hidden treasure that I can't wait to unearth again and again.

Each time I read it, I'm sure it will bring me new joys and insights.

So, yes, this book is a keeper and I will most definitely reread it in the future.

A dead hydrangea is as intricate and lovely as one in bloom.

The bleak sky is as seductive as sunshine.

Miniature orange trees without blossom or fruit are not defective; they are that.

To me, there is no author more powerful and authoritative with her words in the way Toni Morrison is. She commands your attention and respect - you want to listen. She is a teacher in the most beautiful sense to me. This was my 5th book of hers and this one has solidified even more that she is one of my favorite authors of all time. The social, racial, and gender dynamics are so direct and clear. She makes you view lives so different than your own in such a profound way.

Thank you @annathebooksiread for sharing this experience with me. I am forever grateful. ❤️

Welp. I have found my least-liked Toni Morrison book.

Yeah, uh. This reading experience was truly a struggle. The writing, of course, is elegant. I did appreciate the exploration of Black identity, class, trauma, and other issues. Morrison was probably the most skilled author when it came to topics of that kind of complexity and nuance, and that is clearly on display here. There are times when you feel unsettled, but that's the intention. The point is to sit with that discomfort and confront it. It's not in-your-face, but it is unavoidable.

But Lordy, this book felt like a fever dream for most of the time. There isn't really enough actual plot to firmly grab onto. The dialogue would just drag on and on about next to nothing. I didn't love the head-hopping narration most of the time because it just seemed like a tool rather than a distinct style. And while I am okay with grappling with difficult issues in a novel, there were elements in here, such as the first scenes between Son and Jadine, that bordered on gratuitous and, well, I don't know, almost mendacious to me. To be perfectly candid, I was simply bored and unengaged for most of the time.

Most of Morrison's books have been stellar. This one, however, left me with a rather lackluster impression.

Basically.

I’ve finally read my first Toni Morrison book!

It was an absolute revelation. Toni Morrison's writing is like a powerful force that draws you in and doesn't let go.

The story she weaves is rich and complex, filled with vivid characters and deep emotions.

Her use of language is simply masterful, with every word carefully chosen to create a vivid and engaging narrative.

Reading her book was like embarking on a journey through a world that was both familiar and strange, filled with beauty and pain.

I was completely captivated from the first page to the last, and I can't wait to read more of her work.

Toni Morrison is truly a literary genius, and I feel privileged to have discovered her writing.

Enthralling! Enchanting! Electrifying. Ms. Morrison's "Tar Baby" is all of that and so much more.

Set mainly on an idyllic island in the Caribbean, the story unfolds around a rich, retired candy manufacturer. He has constructed a magnificent mansion perched high on top of a mountain. Here, he resides with his young wife, who is a full thirty years his junior. Also in the household are his butler Sydney and his wife and cook Ondine. Occasionally, their niece Jadine visits. The butler and cook have raised Jadine since her mother passed away when she was very young. Jadine is a vision of beauty, with her black skin like that of her uncle and aunt. She is a highly successful model who has traversed the globe, living in glamorous cities like New York and Paris. She has received an extremely fine education and has been supported to a large extent by the candy manufacturer, Valerian, who dotes on her as if she were his own child.

Enter Son, a back fugitive. Despite being dirty, having been found sleeping in Valerian's wife's closet, and having stolen from the kitchen - all of which are known to the owner and the residents of the house - he is immediately welcomed into Valerian's home.

Against this backdrop, Ms. Morrison weaves an explosive and revealing narrative that delves deep into the themes of love, class warfare, bigotry, paternal mistreatment, and colonization. In many respects, this extraordinary writer calls to mind the greats like Conrad, Baldwin, and the Bronte sisters. The realism she portrays is both captivating and frightening. On the other hand, she also reminds us of Truman Capote and his ability to infuse his novels with mysticism and magic, all while remaining firmly rooted in the truth. Ms. Morrison is truly an amazing talent, and "Tar Baby" serves as yet another testament to her remarkable literary prowess.

OK, I have really made a great effort to get into this matter. I have been constantly exploring and trying, hoping to understand and master it better. However, after a long time of hard work, I finally had to give up. It is not that I don't have the perseverance, but that this thing is really too difficult for me.

Although I failed in the end, I still have to admit that I love the intro! The beginning part is really very attractive, it can arouse my strong interest and curiosity, making me eager to continue to explore and understand. It is like a bright light in the dark, guiding me forward.

Even though I didn't succeed in the end, this experience has still made me gain a lot. I have learned a lot of knowledge and skills, and also improved my ability to solve problems. I believe that these experiences will be of great help to my future study and life.

This is not a bad book at all.

There are certain aspects within it that I'm still in the process of working out.

I'm eagerly waiting for the rest of the book club members to come together.

Once we do, I believe I can gain a better understanding and handle of the story.

At the moment, I'm rating it as 3 stars.

However, I'm giving it the potential to grow and improve upon more in-depth reflection.

I think as I continue to explore the book and discuss it with my fellow club members, there may be more layers and nuances that I'll discover.

This could potentially lead to a higher rating in the future.

Overall, it's a promising read that has piqued my interest and made me look forward to further discussions and insights.

This book almost seemed like a fable or allegory.

There are the rich white couple, Valerian and Margaret. They take their black servants for granted. Except for the old retainers, Sydney and Ondine, they don't even bother to learn their names. They call one "Yardman" and one "Mary" even though that isn't her name.

Sydney and Ondine are the faithful black servants who have been in service all their lives and know their place.

Their niece, Jade, thanks to Valerian and Margaret, has gotten an education and a high paying modeling job. She has moved into the white man's world and even has a white boyfriend in Paris.

Son is a black man who was raised in a small community of black people in North Florida. For some unknown reason, he jumps the ship he was working on and ends up on Valerian's estate.

So Valerian asks this smelly, dirty renegade to stay for dinner and to spend the night. Maybe because he's an amusing distraction or maybe because it annoys Margaret.

Jade is at first disgusted and then fascinated by him.

Some of Ms Morrison's writing is beautiful poetry and she highlights many of the problems between black and white, man and woman, rich and poor. However, I find her portrayal of the white characters quite stereotypical. They are selfish, spoiled, mean, and silly while the black characters are kind, smart, and noble.

This one-sided view might limit the depth and complexity of the story. But overall, the book still manages to raise important questions and make the reader think about the relationships between different races and social classes.