I recently read Sula by Toni Morrison. This is a short story about friendship, identity and the pain of growing apart.
Toni Morrison is best known for her novel Beloved, which starred Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover in the film adaptation.
This particular short story was her second novel and it was written and published in 1973.
About The Story
Sula is set between 1919 and 1965 in a fictional black community called the Bottom. This area was located in the hills, above a white town in Ohio.
The story follows the lives of two young girls, Sula and Nel.
They become best friends but over the years they are separated and their lives take different paths.
The book covers several issues, such as racism, sexism, disability, mental health and extreme poverty.
The changing world of World War 1 & 2, the Great Depression and the civil rights era are all used as a backdrop to show the struggles of life for the people who live under the harsh conditions of their town.
My Thoughts about Sula
This was an interesting read. At times you felt sorry for the characters and the way their lives have turned out.
But then they do something which makes you wonder about their integrity.
It was also sad to read how difficult life was for black women during the early part of the the 20th century.
Has much changed since then?
Would I Recommend This Book?
I would definitely recommend Sula as a wonderful example of Toni Morrison’s skill in bringing to life the lives and emotions of the various characters in this story.
P.S. Fancy discovering five brilliant websites for free romance books — without having to trawl the internet yourself?
Sign up for my 5-day email series and I’ll send you a new gem each day.
Yes please, send me the free book sites!
*This post contains affiliate links.
