Sula
Back of the Book
Nel and Sula's devotion is fierce enough to withstand bullies and the burden of a dreadful secret. It endures even after Nel has grown up to be a pillar of the black community and Sula has become a pariah. But their friendship ends in an unforgivable betrayal—or does it end? Terrifying, comic, ribald and tragic, Sula is a work that overflows with life.
Why You Should Read It
Sula is a literary masterpiece that immerses readers in a rich and evocative exploration of friendship, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. Morrison's prose is lyrical and haunting, weaving a narrative that transcends time and resonates with profound insights into the African American experience. The novel's strength lies in Morrison's ability to craft multidimensional characters, particularly the complex friendship between Sula Peace and Nel Wright. Through their intertwined lives, Morrison delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of societal expectations. Sula is a compelling work that not only captures the nuances of a specific community but also speaks to universal truths about the human condition. For those seeking a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant exploration of friendship and individuality, Sula is a must-read, showcasing Toni Morrison's unparalleled skill in storytelling.
Memorable Passage
In a way, her strangeness, her naiveté, her craving for the other half of her equation was the consequence of an idle imagination. Had she paints, or clay, or knew the discipline of the dance, or strings, had she anything to engage her tremendous curiosity and her gift for metaphor, she might have exchanged the restlessness and preoccupation with whim for an activity that provided her with all she yearned for. And like an artist with no art form, she became dangerous.
About the Author
Toni Morrison (1931–2019) was a trailblazing American novelist, essayist, and editor whose literary contributions have indelibly shaped the landscape of contemporary American literature. Born Chloe Ardelia Wofford, Morrison became the first African American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993 for her novel Beloved. Her body of work, which includes acclaimed novels like Song of Solomon and The Bluest Eye, transcends conventional literary boundaries, addressing issues of race, identity, and the complex legacies of history. Morrison's prose, marked by its lyrical beauty and profound insight, captures the resilience and richness of the African American experience. Beyond her groundbreaking writing, she was an influential editor, working to amplify the voices of emerging black authors. Toni Morrison is worth knowing for her transformative impact on literature, her unapologetic exploration of the African American experience, and her enduring legacy as a literary giant whose works continue to resonate and inspire.
Further Reading & Watching
“A Dew-Lined Web: On Sula” by Namwali Serpell, The Paris Review
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