About:
Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison is a coming-of-age story about searching for oneself and family. Ms. Morrison is a Noble Prize-winning author who has become one of America’s most prolific voices.
- 352 pages
- Publisher : Vintage
- Language : English
- ISBN-10 : 140003342X
My rating for Song of Solomon – 5
Buy Song of Solomon from Amazon.com*
More Books by Toni Morrison*
Thoughts:
Like many, I’m sure, I’ve heard much about this book but never read it. This copy has been sitting on my book pile since someone put it in my Little Free Library when I decided it was time to read this American classic.
At first, Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison didn’t grab me. The first few pages certainly are thrilling, but then it slowed down and it was difficult to follow the many characters. However, once Macon “Milkman” Dead III started his road trip to find his great-grandfather’s treasure the book came together marvelously.
Upon hearing a children’s song in Virginia, and after years of listening to the nonsensical verbal history told to him, Milkman starts weaving together a fascinating family history. He discovers his place in the world and his heritage.
Something, I think, most people are wishing for.
This is one of those books that seem simple on the surface but is layered with thoughtful exploration. My only advice is to take your time and read it carefully, taking in the verbal history of the Dead family.
A whole layer is in the author’s naming of the female characters and their significance, as well as a clue to their contribution to Milkman’s story. Hagar is used and discarded, Pilate is strong and independent, as well as a guide, Reba (Rebekah) has a desire for manipulation, Circe is powerful, mysterious, and helps Milkman on his journey, and Ruth, the foster mother is loyal. One could probably write a whole paper just on them.
I may be overthinking it, but there is nothing wrong with that. As the book How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster which taught me. If you know the stories of these women from the Bible and the Odyssey it adds another layer to the book, but if not, it doesn’t take anything away.
Synopsis:
Macon “Milkman” Dead III was born when a man threw himself off a room attempting to flee his crimes. Since then, Milkman has also been trying to fly, and find his “people”.
Thinking his grandfather left a treasure in the South, Milkman is traveling from Michigan through Pennsylvania and Virginia, collecting clues about the treasure but, more importantly, about his heritage.
Buy Song of Solomon from Amazon.com*
More Books by Toni Morrison*
Zohar — Man of la Book
Disclaimer:I bought this book from a Little Free Library
*Amazon links point to an affiliate account, the money is usually spent on books
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