A Mercy by Toni Morrison
Posted by Lanea on Monday, September 20th, 2010
I decided to read this first because I love Morrison so. I have the book on paper, but when I saw there was an audiobook version read by the author, I went with that. I loved the book, but I am not so sold on Dr. Morrison reading the audiobook herself. I love her readings–I’ve been lucky enough to go to several–but a whole book’s worth of reading was a bit too much. Audiobook narration is a very particular skill, and I wish she’d had a skilled professional reader take care of that aspect of the job.
That said, the book itself is great, and I am so glad I have it on paper as well as on audio. I listened to the whole audio version so I could review it for Books For Ears, and then I cracked the paper book and really got into the story.
Like most of Morrison’s books, A Mercy is beautifully written historical fiction. It is set in 17th century colonial America. It follows Florens, a young girl born on a Portuguese-owned tobacco plantation who is sold as a young girl to a expunge a debt by her original owner. Separated from her mother, Florens comes into the care of landowner Jacob Vaark, his wife Rebekka, and their Native-American slave Lina. The book delves into the multi-racial slave system in play in the colonies, sexual mores, inter-religious strife, economics, betrayal, family, American history, relationships between women. Like most of Morrison’s books it’s thickly layered and meticulously researched.
Now, on to Amis!
Filed in 12 books in 12 months,Books | 3 responses so far
anjon 23 Sep 2010 at 1:47 pm 1I read Beloved several times. it is one of my favorite books by her. I ran across the fact that she read Beloved for the audiobook, and thinking that I would glean new insights I bought it.
Worst idea ever.
Made me understand the book less! She really puts no inflection in her readings. I completely understand what you mean. I love her books, but she really should have someone else read them for audio.
latter day bohemian » 12 Books, 12 Months: Month 1 Round Upon 08 Oct 2010 at 9:21 pm 2[…] of the multi-racial slave system and the many associated issues made for a compelling read [review]. Eva enjoyed the way the author of Little Bee conveyed the sense of the main character’s […]
12 Books, 12 Months: Month 1 Round Up | Latter Day Bohemianon 14 Mar 2013 at 8:37 pm 3[…] of the multi-racial slave system and the many associated issues made for a compelling read [review]. Eva enjoyed the way the author of Little Bee conveyed the sense of the main character’s […]