"Some of them do all right by us."
"And every time it's a surprise, ain't it?"

I thought this was slow to start, that the story wasn't really going anywhere, watching genial life unfold at Suggs' waypoint, 124, in Cincinnati. But the calculating, constricting story coalesced in the second half and had so many beautiful phrases and snapshots of the deplorable bullshit slaves went through, I'm glad I didn't quit around the 50-60% mark. I'd read it again, now knowing the beats she hits for us.

I found some of it confusing like a fever dream. Who's speaking, whose rememory are we in? Which Paul? But I pulled up the Spark Notes and read them in tandem. I know I read The Bluest Eye in high school and Sula in college but this was more challenging so I appreciated a little guidance. Toni Morrison is an American treasure.