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On Morrison

On Morrison

by Namwali Serpell

Hogarth ·2026 ·384 pages ·Hottest Books of the Season
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88/99
Top of the Pile

92/99

Critics

Top of the Pile

84/99

Readers

n/a

Scholars

93/99

Rating

92/99

Volume

92/99

Rating

77/99

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About This Book

An illuminating, electrifying exploration of the work of Toni Morrison by an award-winning novelist and Harvard professorToni Morrison, Nobel Laureate and one of our most beloved writers, has inspired generations of readers. But her artistic genius is often overshadowed by her monumental public persona, perhaps because, as Namwali Serpell puts it, "she is our only truly canonical black, female writer—and her work is highly complex." In On Morrison, Serpell brings her unique experience as both an award-winning writer and professor who teaches a course on Morrison to illuminate her masterful experiments with literary form.This is Morrison as you've never encountered her before, a journey through her oeuvre—her fiction and criticism, as well as her lesser-known dramatic works and poetry—with contextual guidance, archival discoveries, and original close readings. At once accessible and uncompromisingly rigorous, On Morrison is a primer not only on how to read one of the most significant American authors of all time, but also on how to read great works of literature in general. This dialogue on the page between two black women artist-readers is stylish, edifying, and thrilling in its scope and intelligence.


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Reviews

"Academic yet accessible, this astute collection offers insight and fresh perspectives and will appeal to readers new to and deeply familiar with Morrison's vital body of work."

Allison Escoto· Booklist Read review ↗ Top of the Pile

"An impressive, nuanced work of scholarship."

Kirkus Read review ↗ Top of the Pile

"Insightful and stimulating ..."

Publishers Weekly Read review ↗ Top of the Pile

"This is informed, accessible literary analysis that demonstrates that Morrison's true genius was as a stylist."

Sam Sacks· The Wall Street Journal Top of the Pile

"Can only come from intimate knowledge and diligent intent."

Omari Weekes· Bookforum Read review ↗ Top of the Pile

"Serpell climbed an intellectual, scholastic, academic mountain and discovered what I imagine she already knew before reporting for duty."

Wesley Morris· The New York Times Read review ↗ Top of the Pile

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