Steph, “I definitely felt the ending elevated it to a higher echelon of reading for me” – my thoughts exactly! A perfect ending often makes a novel and a poor one breaks it.

Claire, it is entirely apt that I loved this book so intensely when the physical book means so much to me and was given to me by my love.

I’ve yet to read Paradise too along with Jazz and Tar Baby. I wonder whether she will write another novel. I do look forward to rereading everything (often) once they are poignantly all read as I could never not have Morrison in my life.

Vivienne, thank you. Love is probably one of her least violent novels that I have read so far; it is important to note that any violence that she includes us always necessary and never gratuitous.

Sakura, I think that it would be impossible -and unadvised- to do a lot of American reading and NOT read Morrison! She is such an integral part of American literature, at least to me.

Jenny, I think I answered this on Twitter at the time but “nonlinear” means non-chronological, shifting back and forth in time.

Polly, I am so glad that you enjoyed my review. Beloved is an immensely powerful novel and never fails to move me.

Jenn, you are very welcome. I have read all of the ones that you have and likewise admired different strengths in each. “Literary portraiture” is an extraordinary apt description of Morrison’s skill.

Ana, it was indeed perfect and incredibly moving. I enjoyed reading along with you and so pleased that you joined us.

Simon, I’m sure that you will read Toni Morrison at some point and be happy to do so.

Shelley, I haven’t read much of her nonfiction but fully intend to.

Booksploring, you are welcome and I hope that you do enjoy them when you do read them.

Vita, thank you for your comment. It is lovely to read about your discovery and experience of Morrison. I hope that you enjoy Love more upon rereading it; I found it so warm and moving with outstanding prose.

Beloved will always remain one of my favourites and agree wholeheartedly that it is one of the most impressive pieces of fiction to be published last century.

This was one of my least favourite of hers…. that and Jazz which left me numb… but everything else is knockout. I remember first discovering Toni Morrison as a 13/14 year old kid from deepest, darkest Somerset finding Song of Solomon amongst the shelves at her local library. I took the book off the shelf and on the front was a picture of a primitive angel and on the back a photo of Toni Morrison with a magnificent afro…. I was immediately hooked.

Beloved is still my favourites though…..
It is still the most astounding novel to come out of the US and ranks as one of the all time best 20th century novels.

I’ve loved each for different reasons and am in awe of her talent. When I reviewed The Bluest Eye last month, I mention that often her writing is like literary portraiture – you get such an intimate portrayal of her characters.

I’ve got Love at home and will be moving it up in my stack. Thanks for the review.