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 Masterpiece [25] January 1, 2008
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
Morrison's "Song of Solomon" encapsulates her strongest skills into one novel.
The story line is unparalleled - it eclipses even some of her other highly acclaimed pieces like "Sula" or "Beloved." The dialect delivered by the people is equal to that shown in "Jazz" or "Beloved." And, her weaving of the story lines throughout the pages of the novel, sews the novel's fabric or philosophies deeply into the reader's mind - as only great novels seem to be do.
This may be the Southern America's finest glory in literature - rivaled only by Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" or Faulkner's greats - "As I Lay Dying" or "The Sound and the Fury." This is one of the great African American novels - rivaled only by Ralph Ellison's "Invisible Man", Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God" or James Baldwin's "Go Tell It On The Mountain." In short, this a great novel.
Many aspects of the life of Macon Death III, a/k/a Milkman - whose life we watch from birth to his early 30's - are happy and dreary. We learn about his witch-like aunt, Pilate, whose lazy daughter Reba birth's his lover, Hagar. As he grows in wealth, his soul feels closer to his name. "My name's Macon; I'm already dead." And, many are trying to prompt invitation to his dying to his name - first his father, then his girlfriend, then a knife-wielding maniac in a small town, and lastly his best friend.
During a search for life, and seeking to find an exit from his "Death", Milkman seeks to find what others may know about his past. His parent's contradictory statements about what the other did to present the dysfunctional aspects of their family both confuse and anger him. His aunt delivers more light on who he is as she speaks about his grandfather's apparition's requests. His father silently will not negate this statement. And, others see ghosts too - something not uncommon for a Morrison novel - particularly in "Beloved."
And, like most Morrison novels, inhumane treatment by men upon other men delivers premature death or destruction of family. Morrison's novels commonly have white man's grotesquely cruel acts upon innocent black children affect the innocents - so affected that main characters often become morally corrupt. This novel is no different. But, the degree of corruption establishes new heights with an organization called the Seven Days. This organization belays the Judeo-Christian ethic, its vigilantes become terrorist murderers of innocent whites - reciprocating to the whites what happened to them or their peers. Southern communities are akin to Palestine. Fighting "bad people" apparently backfires - the acts of violence (whites upon blacks or vice versa) does not exterminate the "other's" hatred, it breeds more hatred which concurrently breeds more violence.
If one uses metaphor to describe Morrison's writing, her high couture is not fundamentally created by the fabric - but rather a composition founded upon the artistry, the sewing. She does not use large words or deeply rooted symbolism which may confuse some readers. Instead, she writes in a manner which can be understood by a wide audience.
Powerfully written, this book makes you pour through the pages to see what happens next. This is the premier work by a premier author and should not be overlooked.
 Southern Fried Magic Realism December 12, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I'm glad that I read this book, but did not find it to be pleasing or interesting. As the review title declares, this novel strikes me as a cross between the beautiful writing style of Southern writers like Thomas Wolfe and the magic realism of Hispanic writers (especially Gabriel Garcia Marquez or Jorges Borges). The Southern style is something I just don't like after reading many years and many authors of this style. It feels overworked and grasping to me. Your taste may be different. I do enjoy magic realism, but find writers like Marquez or Borges do it better than Toni Morrison. Again, your taste may be different. Please realize that I'm not claiming this is a bad book or that Toni Morrison is a bad writer; it's just not my cup of team (Southern style crossed with weaker magic realism).
Chapter One of this book is one of the best first chapters of any book I've ever read and it displays exactly what the book is and how Morrison writes. The Kindle version of the book provides a free sample and I'd encourage everyone to download it and read it.
my favorite book December 1, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
As an obsessive reader, I've read a great deal of "what's out there" - traditional great works, multi-cultural lit, and "fluff". This remains my favorite, not only of Morrison's works, but of any book.
I've re-read Song of Solomon multiple times, and always find something new. Her writing is magical and uplifting (as opposed to Beloved, which is great in its own right, but certainly not exhilirating). I've also never experienced a book ending quite as extraordinary and spiritual as this one.
classic toni morrison book October 28, 2007
This book, along with Sula and The Bluest Eye, are my
favorite novels by Toni Morrison. It is a beautifully
written story about Solomon and his struggle to define
himself in a black family. The plot itself is basic
but what stands out in my mind is the language. Toni
Morrison has an eye for detail and for invoking the
struggle for survival in this crazy, mixed up world.
There's not too much more I can say without giving away
the story but this book is definitely a well written effort.
A True Classic August 3, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is a book you probably had to read in high school. You'll love now you're all grown up!
This novel is one of the best I've ever read about the search for identity. Ms. Morrison serves up the richest of emotional stews: histories and aspirations of African Americans, Native Americans, the rich, poor, the loved and those seeking love. This book is truly a song!
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