Paradise

This book sat on my "to read" stack for over a year. I kept hearing that it was rough sledding, but I finally picked it up and was completely enthralled. In fact, I'd say it was a page-turner. The book is something of a jigsaw puzzle, so it's important not to get frustrated when you don't know exactly who is who. After about 100 pages the pieces start falling into place and that makes it especially satisfying to read. (I recommend keeping a pencil and paper handy to jot down relationships on a family tree as they become clear.) Don't be put off by this, it's one of the great pleasures of Morrison's writing--in addition to her wonderful language and vast imagination.

I have been a Toni Morrison fan for many years now. When I learned that she was putting out a new book I rushed out to buy it and had great expectations. I was not disappointed. I believe this to be Morrison's most profound work. The characters were so complex yet real. In her own unique style Toni Morrison has set out to teach a lesson to all those who chose to embark upon this journey to Paradise. Morrison shows that paradise is only what we make it and that what is perfect for one is not perfect for all. If you love a good, complex, and eye opening read then you will love this book.

Morrison has truly lived up to her potential as a writer in her most recent novel Paradise. I found the complexity of her lyrical writing to be both intriguing and moving. The novel fits in well with the trilogy comprised of Beloved and Jazz. The feature that stands out the most to me as a reader, a student of literature, and as an author is not just the beauty in the formation of her words on the page but the questions they ask people to consider. Morrison is able to make the reader ask why do people act violently, why do they choice to exclude those people and notions so central to constructions of self and paradise. For anyone looking for a deep thought provoking and beautifully written novel that won't leave you unchanged, I strongly recommend considering Paradise. If you liked Beloved your bound to love Paradise, or if you simply a true Morrison fan, you must add this to your library.

After hearing a snippet of Oprah describing this book as difficult, I braced myself as I embarked upon reading Paradise. Page after page, I waited for the confusion, but it never came! Having read all of Toni Morrison's novels, some in the classroom context, I think it was less confusing because I speak Morrison-ese. It's not a good choice for a first Morrison novel. As usual, Ms. Morrison's writing in Paradise is very rich and lyrical. She dances in and out of time and lives and characters in a way which could be hard to follow if you're trying to speed through this book. Although I do think one must have a sharp, analytical mind to "get" and enjoy this book, intelligence is not all that is neccessary. You must be willing to lose yourself in the images Morrison creates, to allow things to wash over you and seep in and mull them over. Paradise was absolutely beautiful, I think maybe even better than Beloved. I liken Morrison's writing to jazz music- it can be unexpected, with an unpredictable flow, certainly not a linear, patterned read. I loved this novel and would reccommend it to those who are willing to take their time on the journey through it's pages.