In
this rich brilliant novel, Toni Morrison delves into the Negro community of
1919 to 1965, with a keener focus on the lives of two young black girls, Nel
and Sula. The two meet as children in the small town of Medallion, Ohio, and
despite their very different backgrounds, become the very best of friends. They
share their deepest secrets, dreams, high and low moments. Nel opts to stay in
medallion, marries a man called Jude and starts a family; while Sula leaves for
the city, but eventually returns to her hometown a rebellious, wayward, sexual
seductress of the husbands of medallion. The women of the town grow to loathe
Sula’s presence and her friendship with Nel becomes somewhat strained. Both
women must suffer the consequences of their actions. The love and friendship
they shared since childhood faces an unforgivable betrayal when Nel discovers
her husband with Sula. It is only when Nel visits Sula on her death-bed that
she realizes that all those years; she missed not her husband but the
companionship of her best friend. This is one novel that will take you on a
roller coaster ride of emotions as it is packed with humor, affection, sorrow,
sensuality, and beauty. I was left feeling somewhat depressed by the tragedy at
the end coupled with the way it was so beautifully crafted in rich poetic
tones. As a big fan of Toni Morrison, this is one highly moving novel I could not put down once I started reading, and would
highly recommend it to anyone looking for a culturally rich
beautifully worded novel on the day to day lives of the black community of
years past.
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