The world cannot be changed in a day, it has to be done at each step day after day. The book The Bluest Eye shows us the path in similar manner. We are thankful to the Blogchatter team for sending us the winning copy in one of the contest of the BlogchatterWritFest. This is the honest review of the book and it is part of the Book review program #BookChatter of Blogchatter.
Book Title:
The Bluest Eye
Book Cover:
The cover is simple and not much revealing about what is the book about.
The Author: Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature on 1993. She received National Book Critics Circle award and a Pulitzer Prize for her fiction and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest Civilian honour, in 2012 by Barack Obama. Her creations include Sula, Beloved, Paradise and Love.
The Plot:
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison is a story of black American girls based in Lorain, Ohio. The start of the story leaves us astonished about the grievance of the 11 year old girl, Pecola Beedlove who is forced to believe that beauty is only about whiteness of skin. Her circumstances and family conditions keeps her belief grow stronger and so she longed for blue eyes so that she is accepted socially among white people. The craving for blue eyes is what she dreamt day and night.
Pecola's parents had troubled marriage resulting in constant fight between the couple. Poverty and ignorance was the main reason for their deteriorating relationship. Little girl Pecola became the victim of his father's evil deeds that changed her life completely.
There many more characters introduced in the story. The narrator of the story is 9 year old Claudia who lived with her sister Freida and parents. They somehow helped Pecola when her parents left her alone in the troubled world.
The book clearly depicts the lifestyle, their forced belief and troubled childhood of young girls who yearn to live a life free from bounds of social abuse and discrimination.
The Blues:
• The book is divided into 4 sections and each named after the four seasons beginning with Autumn and ending in Summer.
• The story is set in Ohio, 1940 - 41, portraying the tragic story of Pecola and her derogatory family.
• Narration is impactful and imprints the complete picture of the trauma and the harsh conditions of the girls.
• Pecola, the lead characters pain and is narrated in a great way.
• This book is all about the racial discrimination of black community and how the young minds are victim to this so called beauty.
• The bonding of Claudia, Freida and Pecola is expressed well in the book.
Final word:
The author Toni Morrison puts across the strong message of ill effects of racial abuse where this young girl wanted to break the chains of ugliness as addressed by her light skinned friends and see a beautiful world through blue eyes. It's a story that reflects a chilling truth that most of us may not be aware of the western world.
This book may not be welcomed by many as it portrays the gloom and agony that disturbs the readers about how tragic a life turns out.
Book Details:
Book Title: The Bluest Eye
Author: Toni Morrison
Publication: Penguin Random House
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 9780099759911
No. Of Pages: 210
Price: INR 499
My Rating: 3.5/5
@Meenal
Judging beauty on the basis of skin color has been there. And is sad that how it affects many lives. Reading your book review, "The Bluest Eye"seems a very powerful book with a powerful message.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great review. Toni Morrison writes so well. It connects the reader to her story. I have read this book but will surely try to get my hands on it.
ReplyDeleteThere is something which we say should not exist, and I love this book plot!! I will surely get this. Thanks for sharing this review!!
ReplyDeleteRacism is a sensitive subjected and me being a victim of racism would definitely want to grab a copy of this book
ReplyDeleteFirst I really like the cover page and title of this book. it is interesting enough to make attract readers to know more about it. I had lived in Ohio for 3 years and that is another reason that making me curious to read this book. thanks a lot dear for sharing your honest review. racial abuse is such an important subject that need to be address.
ReplyDeleteRacial discrimination still exist and that is so disheartening to see. There are people who do it consciously and there are people who also do it intentionally but people who faces are the chicken of this brutal reality. I read this book and take liked it.
ReplyDeleteRacial discrimination still exist in our society and that is so disheartening to see. There are people who does it consciously and there are people who does it unintentionally. But the real victim are terrified facing this. I have read this book and really liked it.
ReplyDeleteThough never faced with any racial discrimination, I remember my 4 year old wishing for blue eyes and blonde hair just to "fit in" her school when we were in US. So i can very well understand little Pecola's state of mind when she wishes for the same. Ur review has caught my interest , shall definitely grab the copy.
ReplyDeleteWe need more authors who are vocal about racial discrimination. The more we talk about it, the more it would be addressed. Thanks for sharing about this book.
ReplyDeleteRacial discrimination is definitely relevant and shld be addressed. The topic itself got me interested and the review makes it a must read. Definitely going to check it out.
ReplyDeleteRacial discrimination has a deep impact on one's personality and surely it shouldnt be done. Yes this book addresses a strong issue and with a more powerful message to its readers.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a shame that people judge others on the basis of skin color and looks. Beauty is there but that doesn't mean others are less beautiful. This book is an interesting read. Will check it out n get a copy for myself.
ReplyDeleteRacial discrimination of black community has been quite common in western countries for years now. In fact recent death of a black person by the hands of American police had created quite an uproar too. I am happy this focuses on this subject and how the lead character tries to come out of this discrimination.
ReplyDeleteRacial discrimination is the worst thing and affects lives so much. This sounds like an interesting read for the weekend.
ReplyDeleteA well written review. i have heard of this author, but dont recall what i real last from her. The book is a good read- we sometimes do need to take a hard look at the realities of life.
ReplyDeleteI have been eyeing to read this book for a quite long time now. I am adding this to my cart right away. Racial discrimination has been prevalent in the society for so many decades now. Books like these help readers in understanding the cause-effect and impact it creates in the lives of many. A wonderful, poignant review.
ReplyDelete