The language in this novel is breathtaking. Every single page has a memorable quote...something I valued. The characters were freaks, they were lost, they were illogical, they were relatable and I found myself understanding each and every one of them. Whatever happened to Halle? I wish Morrison wrote a novel about his life...about life for the Sweet Home Boys, but I digress. The story is so intricate and I found myself enthralled with the literature. I enjoyed every page of this novel and I am proud to say that I got through the novel and understood most of it (not all - there are still parts that are a bit confusing, like Beloved's underwater man with beautiful teeth - I don't get that part). I give this novel 5 stars because the writing is beautiful, Morrison's characters are brilliant, and finally, because I do not believe I will ever encounter another writer capable of writing this story, or any variation of it, as well. Beloved is an amazing story, but I do not know if it will stick with me like A Mercy and Song of Solomon - my first and second Morrison novels...there is too much in the story that I want to forget for fear that it will haunt me, for fear that this story is a part of my history, for fear that I will continue to justify the wrongs of Sethe, Beloved, Denver, Paul D, and Stamp Paid. Morrison challenged my morale with this novel and while I am not pleased with it, I am thankful that I learned a bit more about myself and American history overall.

Now that I have finished Beloved, I feel one thing: pride. I am not as happy that I read this novel as I am that I got through it, understood it, and enjoyed it. So, if you are looking to tackle a challenging novel, then I suggest you pick up Beloved - it will take you some time to get through it, but I believe it is worth it.