Beloved â€� Reader Q&A

Questions About Beloved (Beloved Trilogy, #1)

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hey guys! I am not a native, but I'm not new to novels....... I cant quite understand the text in this book, Am I the only one??? should I read another book prior to this one in ortherto understand??? (the literary books I had read and came across with no problem at all: pride and prejudice, Frankenstein etc,,, ) thanks in advance

Trena Reed Toni Morrison has a unique way of using the language. My husband felt the same way about the book at first, but I encouraged him to continue reading aâ€¦m´Ç°ù±ðToni Morrison has a unique way of using the language. My husband felt the same way about the book at first, but I encouraged him to continue reading and by the end he understood and enjoyed it.

Some of the illusions she makes at the beginning of the book are foreshadowing--glimpses of future events. The book has a kind of rhythm that may feel unfamiliar, but if you stick with it, by the end, you may find an appreciation for her unique style.

Some books, and this may be one, are better the second time you read them when you know the full story and can appreciate the depth of meaning. I encourage you to continue reading, but in the end, it's okay to say this style/book is not for me.

Good luck.(less)

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Tiombe Jones I think the author also evidences some discomfort with occupying the space in Sethe's mind when she commits this act. The description of this scene isâ€¦m´Ç°ù±ðI think the author also evidences some discomfort with occupying the space in Sethe's mind when she commits this act. The description of this scene is not typical throughout the book. It is graphic and TM really attempts to inhabit it, but it lacks the unquestioned understanding evident in other scenes. When she speaks of atrocities done to Sethe, she can speak as Sethe. But when she speaks of atrocities done by Sethe, she just is not able to inhabit that space but instead places the storytelling with the actor who she does see as violent. In other words, Sethe is only violent as a reflection of the violence of slavery and whiteness; she cannot tell Sethe's violence independent of that narrative because she doesn't imagine it independent of that narrative.(less)

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This is a powerful, brilliantly written book that as a white person, I found extremely painful to read. Morrison is so skillful at conveying the horror and brutality of the slavery from which the main characters escape, and so open in judging most white people to be likely to continue such horrors, that I felt profoundly pessimistic upon completing the book. I wonder how many other white readers feel similarly?

Alyse I very much felt the same way and am finding it difficult to find fault with the book (which I am so glad to have read) because to be frank, I don't fâ€¦m´Ç°ù±ðI very much felt the same way and am finding it difficult to find fault with the book (which I am so glad to have read) because to be frank, I don't feel that I should have an opinion other than absolute disdain and loathing for the atrocious crimes committed by whites. I don't see how anyone could ever surmount or contextualise these crimes - there is just too much to forgive and I can't help but wonder whether that is not one of the very many poignant messages of the book. (less)

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Is this book appropriate for a 13 year old?

Amanda Himes

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I'm about half way through and I'm confused. Is Beloved the young girl a ghost or a real girl? I can't figure out if Morrison is talking about a ghost or what. I seem to be confused more than anything with this book, I don't know if it's her writing, I've never read anything from her before, or if it's me. I'm having a hard time finishing this one. Can anyone help me out and fill me in with what's going on?

Jessica Iâ€™m just over halfway through and I feel the same. Iâ€™m contemplating not finishing it. Iâ€™m going to read some more reviews and see if others can fill â€¦m´Ç°ù±ðIâ€™m just over halfway through and I feel the same. Iâ€™m contemplating not finishing it. Iâ€™m going to read some more reviews and see if others can fill in the gaps for me. This is my 1st TM as well and Iâ€™m not compelled to read more from her. The subject matter doesnâ€™t bother me like it seems to bother others. Itâ€™s just the storyline is confusing and the writing just doesnâ€™t flow for me. (less)

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