Paradise

by Toni Morrison

Book Overview

The acclaimed Nobel Prize winner challenges our most fiercely held beliefs as she weaves folklore and history, memory and myth into an unforgettable meditation on race, religion, gender, and a far-off... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0452280397
• ISBN13: 9780452280397
• Release Date: April 1999
• Publisher: Plume Books
• Length: 318 Pages
• Weight: 0.67 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

A complex and fulfilling book

Toni Morrison is one of the best authors living today, and has firmly placed herself as an author that will be read years down the road. Paradise is perhaps one of her best novels, and is one of my all time favorites (I have read it three times). It does pose a difficult read for those looking for a casual book, because it is a deep and complexly interwoven book meant to stir emotions and one's mind. I am amazed at the spotlight reviews who seem confused by her style of writing and could not become involved with the characters. Morrison uses a recursive approach, one that breathes new life into each chapter (as a new character is introduced Morrison takes the time to back track to explain that person's past before joining the character with the present time of the book; Morrison's Master's Thesis was on Faulkner, who used the recursive style heavily). Although this could create confusion if you aren't aware of it, I think it makes for an altogether complete and compelling story. The Convent itself and the women that reside within are compelling, and sad, stories ready to be told, and as they unfold with their interactions with Ruby it creates a book that is absolutely amazing. This book is not for those looking for a quick easy read, or something that goes from point A to point B with no stops in between. This book will test your mind and emotions as the tale unfolds through complex chapters, leaving you with a much more fulfilling book than one that does not make you think about what you are reading. If I could give this a six star rating, I wouldn't hesitate.

Amazing

This book sat on my "to read" stack for over a year. I kept hearing that it was rough sledding, but I finally picked it up and was completely enthralled. In fact, I'd say it was a page-turner. The book is something of a jigsaw puzzle, so it's important not to get frustrated when you don't know exactly who is who. After about 100 pages the pieces start falling into place and that makes it especially satisfying to read. (I recommend keeping a pencil and paper handy to jot down relationships on a family tree as they become clear.) Don't be put off by this, it's one of the great pleasures of Morrison's writing--in addition to her wonderful language and vast imagination.

praise for paradise

I have been a Toni Morrison fan for many years now. When I learned that she was putting out a new book I rushed out to buy it and had great expectations. I was not disappointed. I believe this to be Morrison's most profound work. The characters were so complex yet real. In her own unique style Toni Morrison has set out to teach a lesson to all those who chose to embark upon this journey to Paradise. Morrison shows that paradise is only what we make it and that what is perfect for one is not perfect for all. If you love a good, complex, and eye opening read then you will love this book.

Considering Paradise

Morrison has truly lived up to her potential as a writer in her most recent novel Paradise. I found the complexity of her lyrical writing to be both intriguing and moving. The novel fits in well with the trilogy comprised of Beloved and Jazz. The feature that stands out the most to me as a reader, a student of literature, and as an author is not just the beauty in the formation of her words on the page but the questions they ask people to consider. Morrison is able to make the reader ask why do people act violently, why do they choice to exclude those people and notions so central to constructions of self and paradise. For anyone looking for a deep thought provoking and beautifully written novel that won't leave you unchanged, I strongly recommend considering Paradise. If you liked Beloved your bound to love Paradise, or if you simply a true Morrison fan, you must add this to your library.

Like the trip to Haven- well worth the effortful journey.

After hearing a snippet of Oprah describing this book as difficult, I braced myself as I embarked upon reading Paradise. Page after page, I waited for the confusion, but it never came! Having read all of Toni Morrison's novels, some in the classroom context, I think it was less confusing because I speak Morrison-ese. It's not a good choice for a first Morrison novel. As usual, Ms. Morrison's writing in Paradise is very rich and lyrical. She dances in and out of time and lives and characters in a way which could be hard to follow if you're trying to speed through this book. Although I do think one must have a sharp, analytical mind to "get" and enjoy this book, intelligence is not all that is neccessary. You must be willing to lose yourself in the images Morrison creates, to allow things to wash over you and seep in and mull them over. Paradise was absolutely beautiful, I think maybe even better than Beloved. I liken Morrison's writing to jazz music- it can be unexpected, with an unpredictable flow, certainly not a linear, patterned read. I loved this novel and would reccommend it to those who are willing to take their time on the journey through it's pages.