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Considered the spiritual sequel to [b:Beloved|6149|Beloved|Toni Morrison|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1347984578l/6149._SY75_.jpg|736076], [b:Jazz|37398|Jazz|Toni Morrison|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1317531331l/37398._SX50_.jpg|1135883] follows the (unreliable) narratives of deeply flawed characters, including at least one who has committed grave sins. If the goal was to make a murderer sympathetic or to understand them as something more than heartless, I would say Beloved is more successful. That said, while Morrison writes characters to be seen, I’m not entirely convinced that she needs them to be understood, especially when they do not understand themselves.
Rather, I feel Morrison writes narratives to better comprehend social context. Instead of condemning a sinner, Morrison seeks to understand the situation that leads to the major moral failing surrounding the individual’s tragedy. As with all her work, she renders hyper realistic people in surreal settings to pull forth a greater understanding of the human condition, specifically as it is in times of conflict. Morrison’s focus here centers on the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, a time that rendered beautiful art, but one that was not without strife.
Beyond narrative, my favorite elements of Jazz are the stylistic choices woven into the prose that mimic the rhythm of actual jazz. This flow is what carries the characters through the moving urban landscape. At times even the storylines meander, almost feeling improvisational in nature, and this includes movement between different character viewpoints, timelines, and even past places south of the city. This is what allows the City to come alive as something more than just a setting.
If you are someone who prefers neat retribution for victims or the swift condemnation of criminals, this will not be the book for you. The very world this story takes place in prevents either from ever truly maturing. However, if you are seeking something a little more nuanced that captures the authenticity of a bygone time and place, then Jazz is a pretty solid choice.
Rather, I feel Morrison writes narratives to better comprehend social context. Instead of condemning a sinner, Morrison seeks to understand the situation that leads to the major moral failing surrounding the individual’s tragedy. As with all her work, she renders hyper realistic people in surreal settings to pull forth a greater understanding of the human condition, specifically as it is in times of conflict. Morrison’s focus here centers on the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, a time that rendered beautiful art, but one that was not without strife.
Beyond narrative, my favorite elements of Jazz are the stylistic choices woven into the prose that mimic the rhythm of actual jazz. This flow is what carries the characters through the moving urban landscape. At times even the storylines meander, almost feeling improvisational in nature, and this includes movement between different character viewpoints, timelines, and even past places south of the city. This is what allows the City to come alive as something more than just a setting.
If you are someone who prefers neat retribution for victims or the swift condemnation of criminals, this will not be the book for you. The very world this story takes place in prevents either from ever truly maturing. However, if you are seeking something a little more nuanced that captures the authenticity of a bygone time and place, then Jazz is a pretty solid choice.