God Help the Child
By Toni Morrison
- Release Date: 2015-04-21
- Genre: Literary Fiction
Description
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A New York Times Notable Book • This fiery and provocative novel from the acclaimed Nobel Prize winner weaves a tale about the way the sufferings of childhood can shape, and misshape, the life of the adult.
At the center: a young woman who calls herself Bride, whose stunning blue-black skin is only one element of her beauty, her boldness and confidence, her success in life, but which caused her light-skinned mother to deny her even the simplest forms of love. There is Booker, the man Bride loves, and loses to anger. Rain, the mysterious white child with whom she crosses paths. And finally, Bride’s mother herself, Sweetness, who takes a lifetime to come to understand that “what you do to children matters. And they might never forget.”
“Powerful.... A tale that is as forceful as it is affecting, as fierce as it is resonant.” —Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times
Reviews
Amazing!
5By ivorydanayThis book opened my eyes about childhood trauma and the way parenting is effected by it. There are so many sides to every story and this book highlights the complexities of every relationship in the book. Easily one of the best books I have read.One of the greatest authors of all time
5By kaykaybean13Beautifully poignantly written story of the abandonment, abuse neglect and horrible consequences one day in court caused so many innocent lives. This book captivates from the very beginning to the unexpected endingBookClub10
5By Bookclub 10Always wondering where Morrison is going to take you as you journey through her novels. The landscape was unpredictable and unbelievable at times, yet it reminds you of the tragedies and triumphs in life.Excellent!
5By FloeticStarI enjoyed this book very much. Good read and real to the bone of reality.God Help the Child
2By humbleapplepieVery disappointing, as I typically find Ms. Morrison’s writing deep and inspirational. I find this shallow, inconsistent and without focus. Makes me think she’s writing for publishing not for a purpose.Though provoking
4By archetype67God Help the Children is Toni Morrison's latest novel and her first set in contemporary time. The story moves between 1st And 3rd person narratives even for the same characters and on a re-read I'll analyze that further. It stands to Morrison's talent that it wasn't something that stood out - it was only on looking back for the review that I realized that sometime Bride - the protagonist- was told in 1st, then in other parts 3rd. The language is typical Morrison - sparse but powerfully descriptive - a dichotomy that has always been part of what I love about her writing. The characters, despite the limited space for development, are fully realized. Their stories are hard, and there is a common thread from the past that connects them, and there is a painful emotional distance that drives choices throughout. Overall, an excellent read with my only real complaint is that I wanted more time with the characters. This latest Morrison novel is not as dark as some of her other ones, but it tackles typical themes of loss and the impact of adults in someone's youth on the adults one becomes. I'm sure, like all of my experiences with Morrison's novels, I'll discover more in subsequent readings, which is yet another reason to enjoy her brilliance.Fantastic
5By LilianCThis book was a refreshing eye opener about the state of things in the world.realized or not this book will make you thing about the past,present,and future.It will draw you in and keep you reading until the very last page which gives no closure on the characters but it's okay most books never can truly do that.God help the child***
5By Lindalong2This was my first Toni Morrison book. I have no idea why it took me so long. Now I have an entire new author to read. She made me feel and understand things I only thought I understood before. I couldn't put it down. I want to know the rest of brides story and her child's. Queen was an amazing character. I had someone almost similar to her in my own life and she is gone now and I miss her so. Highly recommended reading for anyone. There is no one that will not understand this story when read. That Is Toni morrisons great gift. God bless you.Amazing Read!
5By HarmoniousPearlThis is my first of Toni Morrison books and I am a pleased by the poetry and the story line. I will be reading it again so I don't miss any details.Great Story
3By AmmmieeeeWish it would have gone on longer. Ended very abruptly.
