Tar Baby: A Novel (Vintage International)

This is a great novel by a Noble Prize Winning Author. It is not necessarily a simple story. It is a romance novel, a romance between two very different individuals. But, as with other Toni Morrison novels, much, much more than that. It is often complicated, and full to overflowing with symbolism. The novel required my full attention all of the time. I recognize the greatness of the writing, but did not always enjoy it. I have been reading Toni Morrison novels in the order of publication. Hence this is my fourth Toni Morrison novel. I cannot say that I have a favorite. There are times I am completely enthralled with each of them. There are times I shutter with each of them. This is serious intellectual literature. Toni Morrison addresses many issues including race issues, domestic violence and child abuse. The intelligence level is very high. This is great writing, not fun writing. With every Toni Morrison novel that I have thus far read, I have purchased the accompanying audiobook. Every one has been superb. Until now my favorite audiobook was “The Bluest Eye” narrated by the author. I absolutely loved hearing the author reading to me, her own writing, in the manner she wanted it read. This audiobook is also really excellent. The performance, by Desiree Coleman, is extraordinary. In summary I am overwhelmed by both the writing of Toni Morrison generally and this novel in particular. The writing is intricate and requires my full attention. It is not always fun. Another review wrote that Toni Morrison is in a league of her own. I completely agree. Thank You for taking the time to read this review.

My first read of TAR BABY was in high school just a couple years after it was published. I was young, thought I knew everything - especially about true love, and in a public school class where reading the assignments was not considered cool. I doubt I picked up on much of the symbolism beyond the obvious Tar Baby motif. I don't recall knowing anything about the rest of the mythology I noticed this time: the wild horsemen, the contrast between black and white, nature and the very civilised house and the greenhouse, etc. I remember feeling more sympathy toward Jadine the first time round, probably because when I was young, I thought there was always a "right way" and "wrong way." Jadine's goal is to get to a certain place, and my impressionable young mind thought achieving that goal was worth it. I see a lot more grey these days and I appreciated the reread. I was also impressed with how much I remembered. That says something for the pictures this book paints. It's been over thirty years since I read this, yet I knew the first scene, as interesting as it is on its own, was going to be mirrored at the end. I started looking for more of that, and that's when I realized what a genius Toni Morrison really is - beyond how just amazing she is all the time. The structure of the book is phenomenal yet unobtrusive. It's there, making the book resonate, but until I looked for it, it didn't stand out saying "here I am - clever me." There's so much in this novel. If I were a teacher, I would surely use it to teach some of the larger themes Morrison tackles with so much ease: it's hard to be a woman - high on the list, it's hard to be a black man - also high on the list, colorism, nature/wild/black/"scary" v civilized/tame/white/not scary, black hair and "can I touch it" (no,) that damned sealskin coat is so loaded with more than just a naked Jadine, plain ole racism that comes out in moments of stress, the power dynamic between young and old (I think it says something about my age that I felt for Valerian more this time too.) Anyway, I'm not a teacher, so I'll shut up, and just say it's good to read Toni Morrison again.

Toni Morrison is renown for her beautiful use of language, and I love that about her, but sometimes it can go on forever (which, if you've read her interviews, she is well aware of), but other than that, this book is a must read. She effectively addresses issues within the African-American community that often go overlooked: the cultural differences within the race and the balancing act of "being black" and remembering where you came from, while trying to "make it", or become someone of value in a white world. The two main characters, Son and Jadine, are representative of both these opposing views. How can two people who love each other work past their opposing views on who who they think they should be? The ending is not what one would expect from a novel that is considered a "romance", but the purpose of the ending is powerful. Go to YouTube and find her interview with Bill Moyers. She talks briefly about it there. Interactions between the classes, (those who serve and those who are served) and the loyalty that is owed to a servant who has been faithful to his or her employer are also a major point in this novel. The plot line with Valerian and Margret wasn't as compelling for me until the end when the answer of Michael's issue with his family is revealed. As always with Toni Morrison, you can't read words simply for what they are. Look deeper, and once you have, look deeper, still. If you're not willing to put in that effort, don't bother reading it. I only got through it on my second attempt, then read it in two days. The first time I had to put it down and read another one of her books because I wasn't ready to commit, but I'm glad I eventually did.

Exactly as described. Excellent condition. A+ transaction! Thank you!

Morrison is such a masterful author. Her novels always have a force behind it that draws the reader in and makes sure that you understand the various points of view. We first see Valerian's point of view, and we agree with him. Then we see Margaret's point of view and we agree with her also, although Valerian and Margaret are arguing with each other. This is how Morrison brings a story to life, using recursive narration to move forward and back in time regardless of the time period that the novel is currently in. One minute we are looking at Valerian and his past, the next we are looking at Margaret until it catches up to the present storyline and then advances further, which allows us to understand how and why each character acts the way that they do. Simply masterful. What is even more masterful is Morrison's ability to articulate the struggle between races, but more importantly the struggle that black people go through. Should one embrace their past and their culture as Son does, even though it means living in squalor and primitive ways? Or should one educate themselves and try to make their lives better as Jadine does? The struggle is huge, and this is what adds the powerful flavor to the story. Ultimately, it is the side of Jadine that wins over, I believe, the side that no longer blames the white man and "his" culture, but rather embraces her culture and attempts to further herself, as a black woman, rather than let the past weigh her down and prevent her from bettering herself. A poignant novel, of which I would expect nothing less from Morrison. A definite recommend, not only the book but any of her books. 5 stars.

Growing up, the only book I've read by Toni Morrison was "The Bluest Eye" for my high school English class. I made a decision to revisit her other novels upon her death. "Tar Baby" was a book I became interested in after learning about it in "Well Read Black Girl". One thing I loved was the characterization of Jadine who was beautiful, intelligent and made choices that benefitted her. It was such a revolution to see and still pertinent today. Black women are always told they need to settle, so it was inspiring reading a Black woman who went against that. I also liked how Toni uses social upbringing and education to highlight the differences between the characters. Without giving too much away, it starts a discussion. Are people the way they are because of lack of educational resources and opportunity? Or do people hold themselves back because they refuse to adapt to change? Overall while I had a few qualms with the book (more so on a personal level), I have to say I loved it. I highly recommend.

I’m going to keep this short and sweet. The first quarter of the book was extremely slow moving and uninteresting to me. The writing is delicate, well thought out and intricate all at the same time, like a dance or a poem. However, there were many moments within the authors flashbacks or memories that were not well outlined or executed and came across very confusing - I wasn’t sure if I was reading a past tense or present tense. The second half of the book was addicting, well written, and had me hanging on for more. Then just as I thought the book had redeemed itself it all came crashing down in the last chapter that left me with a giant ? thinking “WTF just happened.” Overall I would still recommend this book I think it’s very dependent on a readers personal preference and is very well written. I also think the inner working relationships between different races in conjunction with the time period was not only interesting, and educating, but all too truthful.

I'm an audio book junkie because I spend a lot of time in my car and it makes my trips much nicer. I love Toni Morrison and have read/listened to just about everything she's ever written. I thought I had read Tar Baby a long time ago and was willing to listen to it again. I had not. This was one I'd missed. You should not. It's a great story told in Ms. Morrison's poetic style. It doesn't contain quite as many "spiritual" metaphors or characters, but it is insightful, and provokes thoughts about how our enviornment, how others see us, effects who we are and what we think of ourselves, and of course, the internal struggle that results. The reader is excellent. Ms. Morrison often reads her work, but sometimes I find her sultry voice difficult to hear and must listen to passages twice to make sure I heard them correctly. Not so with this work. Highly recommend it.

nice and very easy to understand. i like it

In Tar Baby, Toni Morrison takes us to the heart of colonialism and weaves in a passionate love story. Son and Jadine, Valérien and Margaret, Sydney ans Ondine - all the characters are unforgettable. Truly literature at its highest mode of expression.

Toni Morrison ist einfach eine faszinierende Frau und Autorin, jedes Buch ist es wert gelesen zu werden. Daher klar 5 Sterne von mir.

Bought it as a gift, as advertised

I loved this book and did not want it to end. All characters are amazing, each build with complexity reflecting life where at the end it is not possible to judge who is good and who is bad it all depends ...... Toni Morrison is one of those writers that is in league of her own 5 stars ratings is really not good enough