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Title details for God Help the Child by Toni Morrison - Available

God Help the Child

A novel

by Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison
Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
Borrow Listen to a sample Listen to a sample
1 of 1 copy available
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A New York Times Notable Book • This fiery and provocative novel from the acclaimed Nobel Prize winner weaves a tale about the way the sufferings of childhood can shape, and misshape, the life of the adult.

At the center: a young woman who calls herself Bride, whose stunning blue-black skin is only one element of her beauty, her boldness and confidence, her success in life, but which caused her light-skinned mother to deny her even the simplest forms of love. There is Booker, the man Bride loves, and loses to anger. Rain, the mysterious white child with whom she crosses paths. And finally, Bride’s mother herself, Sweetness, who takes a lifetime to come to understand that “what you do to children matters. And they might never forget.”        
“Powerful.... A tale that is as forceful as it is affecting, as fierce as it is resonant.” —Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Awards

  • Release date

    April 21, 2015

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9780307749116
      • File size: 165886 KB
      • Duration: 05:45:35

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison narrates a melancholy story of interconnected characters who remain impacted by their difficult childhood experiences. Taking her time with her delivery, Morrison keeps to a pace and tone that suggest aging wisdom and lack of judgment--even as some of her characters act out their anxieties and impulsivity. She differentiates characters by changing her vocal tone and resonance--as when Queen says to the uniquely beautiful Bride, "You look like something a raccoon found and refused to eat." Such a telling line in the unraveling messiness of childhood traumas! T.E.C. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine
    • Publisher's Weekly

      Starred review from December 22, 2014
      In Morrison's short, emotionally-wrenching novel, her first since 2012's Home, a mother learns about the damage adults do to children and the choices children make as they grow to suppress, express, or overcome their shame. The story begins with the birth of Lula Ann Bridewell, a midnight black baby whose mother cannot stand to touch her. Grown-up Lula Ann transforms herself into Bride, a stiletto-wearing, Jaguar-driving California executive with dark skin proudly accentuated by stylish white clothing. Amid preparations for the launch of her signature cosmetics line, Bride offers a gift-bag of cash and cosmetics to parolee Sofia Huxley, the kindergarten teacher Bride accused of sexual abuse 15 years before, earning Bride maternal approval and Sofia her prison sentence. Sofia's angry rejection of Bride's present, coinciding with the departure of Bride's lover, inspires such self-doubt that Bride fears regressing back into Lula Ann. A car accident lands her in a culvert, where a little girl keeping dark secrets of her own comes to the rescue. Nobel laureate Morrison explores characteristic themes of people held captive by inner struggles; the delusion of racism; violence and redemption. Her literary craftsmanship endures with sparse language, precise imagery, and even humor. This haunting novel displays a profound understanding of American culture and an unwavering sense of justice and forgiveness.

    • Publisher's Weekly

      June 29, 2015
      Morrison’s latest novel finds adults struggling to overcome the emotional scars of childhood. The story begins with the birth of Lula Ann Bridewell, a deep blue-black-skinned baby whose light-skinned mother cannot stand to touch her. Grown-up Lula Ann transforms
      herself into Bride, a glamorous fashion executive who still yearns for love and acceptance in her personal life. Amid preparations for the launch of her signature cosmetics line, Bride offers a gift bag of cash and cosmetics to parolee Sofia Huxley, the kindergarten teacher Bride accused of sexual abuse 15 years before. Sofia’s angry rejection of Bride’s present, coinciding with the departure of Bride’s lover, inspires such self-doubt that Bride fears regressing into Lula Ann. Morrison reads with tremendous insight and empathy for the characters, vividly bringing them to life. Every emotional nuance—yearning, bewilderment, anger, love, self-empowerment—resonates in her voice, making this a powerful audio experience that elevates Morrison’s already remarkable and memorable prose. A Knopf hardcover.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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