On Morrison
by
98/99
Critics' Rating Index
85/99
Readers' Rating Index
n/a
Scholars' Citation Index
92/99
Volume of Reviews
69/99
Volume of Reader Ratings
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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.
Reviews
"Illuminating and fascinating ..."
"This is informed, accessible literary analysis that demonstrates that Morrison's true genius was as a stylist."
"Can only come from intimate knowledge and diligent intent."
"Morrison is up there for good reason."
"An astonishing collection of close readings that is an asset to Morrison scholarship, enriching, complicating and, at times, challenging what we have come to know and love about this literary titan."
"An impressive, nuanced work of scholarship."
"This will enthrall Morrison fans and cultivate new ones."
"She had no reason to feign humility."
"Across the book's 12 essays, she identifies and critiques narrative strategies, puzzles over craft choices, compares formal techniques across novels, and chases edits and revisions in the archives ..."
"Serpell doesn't deliver a big takeaway."
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