Sula: A Novel (Vintage International)

Reading Sula as a collective felt like holding sacred text. Morrison’s exploration of Black womanhood, friendship, grief, and rebellion led us into deep discussion about what it means to be “good” versus “free.” The writing is sharp and poetic, and every reread reveals something new. For many of us, Sula didn’t just challenge us — it affirmed us.

As a young child I remember my family of women gathering around bonding through gossiping. I overheard one say "Don't ever take ya friends around your man, it's like asking for trouble." That's all I could think about while reading. "Sula-" beautifully written, showed the causes and effects of generational sin, trauma and the true meaning of sacrificial love within a family setting. Whilst also showing the betrayal and jealousy before an empathetic and devastating end of an unrequited long term friendship. All due to the inter-social class that black folk compartmentalized even ostracized in and amongst themselves." I found it hard to put down and never wanted to reach the end of it as in, "The Bluest Eye." Comparing- even paralleling it to my childhood. It's a book you could read over and over again and not get bored with. I absolutely loved it.

What a compact, profound novel, whose protagonist, Sula, is not even identified until about halfway through the book. Sula is beautifully written as both a representation of The Bottom and its inhabitants' scapegoat for all that they desire to rise above. I am forever in awe of Morrison's prose, her descriptions of a scene that pull the reader in, and her powerful critiques of race, power, whiteness, and gender, which are never forced, but intricately woven throughout the story.

This book holds a special place in my heart forever.

This story is a hearty soup... That's a good thing. I'm ready for a salad though.