I'm glad you said that about the plot not being meant to be fully untangled. This one was a reread for me and going into it I hoped I would understand all the threads of the plot that I had missed last time, but of course I didnt. I have a problem with the label magical realism being applied to this book or Morrison's work in general. I think when the "magical" elements spring from the folklore or traditions of a group of people that that label is misapplied. In the case of Morrison's books or those of Louise Erdrich the label feels a little condescending.
I think magical realism is really debased as a description of writing these days. It is thrown at anything that draws on folk culture. I read a fair amount by non-western writers and often the oral tradition or folk tales of their culture permeate their books. This feels natural. We don't call it magical realism when elements of classical myth seep into novels. I am not sure I am expressing this clearly, but essentially I am agreeing with your comment.
I feel like the "magical realism" label is more applicable to BELOVED, but I'll wait til you get there and look forward to what you have to say! Thanks for everything to chew on, regarding mythology! Definitely resonates for me that Pilate was very much the "pilot" of her story--even her family's story for a time.
I'm glad you said that about the plot not being meant to be fully untangled. This one was a reread for me and going into it I hoped I would understand all the threads of the plot that I had missed last time, but of course I didnt. I have a problem with the label magical realism being applied to this book or Morrison's work in general. I think when the "magical" elements spring from the folklore or traditions of a group of people that that label is misapplied. In the case of Morrison's books or those of Louise Erdrich the label feels a little condescending.
I think magical realism is really debased as a description of writing these days. It is thrown at anything that draws on folk culture. I read a fair amount by non-western writers and often the oral tradition or folk tales of their culture permeate their books. This feels natural. We don't call it magical realism when elements of classical myth seep into novels. I am not sure I am expressing this clearly, but essentially I am agreeing with your comment.
You and I read the book totally different!
@@nicolehockeygirl I would love to hear your thoughts!
I've been meaning to return to Toni Morrison with Song of Solomon. My favorite that I've read is Sula.
I feel like the "magical realism" label is more applicable to BELOVED, but I'll wait til you get there and look forward to what you have to say! Thanks for everything to chew on, regarding mythology! Definitely resonates for me that Pilate was very much the "pilot" of her story--even her family's story for a time.
Yes-I was thinking about Beloved as I wrote this, and how much I loved it years ago. I am looking forward to the reread!
What a great idea for a project!
Thank you so much for this review Hannah. Sending you love from the Netherlands ❤️