Book Review
Feb. 24th, 2021 09:49 pmSong of Solomon
by Toni Morrison
Set in the middle of the 20th century in an unnamed city in Michigan, Song of Solomon centers on Milkman Dead, son of a Macon Dead, a successful landlord, and Ruth Foster, a doctor's daughter. As a counterbalance to Milkman's wealthy yet less-than-functional family, Macon's unconventional sister Pilate runs a winehouse along with her daughter Reba and grand-daughter Hagar. As he grows up, Milkman becomes entwined with Pilate's household, too. His coming-of-age culminates in his journey south to discover the truth behind his family's stories and origins.
Song of Solomon is amazing. The plot sounds like s straightforward coming of age story, yet Morrison weaves it out of so many threads that it is as rich and sweeping as an epic. And the way it spins out to the ending is breath-taking. The underlying theme of how the past carries into the present and how we must understand it in order to move forward is constantly palpable without ever being intrusive. Everything about this novel is masterfully done and a joy to read.
by Toni Morrison
Set in the middle of the 20th century in an unnamed city in Michigan, Song of Solomon centers on Milkman Dead, son of a Macon Dead, a successful landlord, and Ruth Foster, a doctor's daughter. As a counterbalance to Milkman's wealthy yet less-than-functional family, Macon's unconventional sister Pilate runs a winehouse along with her daughter Reba and grand-daughter Hagar. As he grows up, Milkman becomes entwined with Pilate's household, too. His coming-of-age culminates in his journey south to discover the truth behind his family's stories and origins.
Song of Solomon is amazing. The plot sounds like s straightforward coming of age story, yet Morrison weaves it out of so many threads that it is as rich and sweeping as an epic. And the way it spins out to the ending is breath-taking. The underlying theme of how the past carries into the present and how we must understand it in order to move forward is constantly palpable without ever being intrusive. Everything about this novel is masterfully done and a joy to read.