2021: I think I did this book a disservice by listening to the audiobook version (even though it was read by Morrison herself!) and I look forward to revisiting it in its paper form at some point in the future.

Morrison's novel is centered on the story of Pecola Breedlove, but the ever changing narration and points of view mean that you often do not know exactly how this newly introduced character fits into Pecola's life until after the new storyline had concluded. I learn better by reading (as opposed to by listening), so this was particularly challenging for me to follow in the audiobook.

That being said, Morrison's descriptions are some of the most beautiful I've ever read. The beauty of her written word almost make you forget the disparity and horrible things that she's describing. The constant bombardment of whiteness as the ideal, both physically and socially, wears down her characters throughout the story. It's powerful and horrible and unending and overwhelming all at once.

I did not expect the novel to be so sexual, simply because I had this sitting in my brain as "books that were assigned in high school that I somehow missed". That should definitely be adjusted to "assigned in college", and I would also put a big trigger warning alongside that description. Morrison touches on some heavy topics (including going into a pedophile's thought process). Slightly overwhelming at times, it certainly left me with the feeling that institutional racism and intergenerational trauma is also overwhelming. Because it is.

An important and absolutely essential reading for anyone looking to understand racism in America today. Topics such as Black maternal medicine are still (unfortunately) extremely relevant today!! Would recommend the paperback version (unless you learn better aurally!)