Sula: Toni Morrison

If you have ever read any book by Toni Morrison you know her style of writing is one of a kind. It has been years since I have read a novel written by Toni Morrison so I definitely had to adjust my approach when I picked up Sula.

The last couple of books that I have read have been considered ‘easy to read’ compared to the works of Toni Morrison. So I found after reading a few pages, putting it down for about a week I had no choice but to start over and really dive into the novel.

Although this novel was first published in 1973 and the timeframe was 1919-1965, all the themes addressed are those that are very much front runners in today’s society.

Through the lives of Sula and Nel, she covers the topics of poverty, racism, patriarchy, sexual and economic freedom of women. Addressing of the consequences when a woman deviates from gender and societal norms. How relationships change between women. Toni Morrison also addresses PTSD triggered by war. Come on now Toni!!! You better show the people have far we have come but how we have so much further to go.

I will leave with you a couple quotes from Sula that had me sitting and thinking about a few things going on in my life or thoughts worth further exploring.

“Like any artist without an art form, she became dangerous.”

“the loss pressed down on her chest and came up into her throat. it was a fine cry — loud and long — but it had no bottom and no top, just circles and circles of sorrow.”

What is the last book you have read?

Stay tuned for what’s to come: