The Bluest Eye, published in 1970, is the first novel written by Toni Morrison, winner of the 1993 Nobel Prize in Literature.
It is the story of eleven-year-old Pecola Breedlove--a black girl in an America whose love for its blond, blue-eyed children can devastate all others--who prays for her eyes to turn blue: so that she will be beautiful, so that people will look at her, so that her world will be different. This is the story of the nightmare at the heart of her yearning and the tragedy of its fulfillment.
T. G. (lildrafire) from ODESSA, TX wrote on 9/10/2007...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Toni Morrison's stories are always brutally honest, endearing and reach deep into our souls. This novel highlights the great divide that still exists between races--one person at a time. I loved this book.
Susan R. (SuRay) from LOCKWOOD, CA wrote on 9/3/2007...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is a very well written book, and one I highly recommend. Morrison is a gifted writer whose work should be recognized by everyone, not just Oprah!
11 year old Pecola Breedlove wants blue eyes because then she'll be as beloved as the blond, blue-eyed children in America. But for Pecola's family, beauty seems to be nearly unattainable because they are black and live in poverty and pain. This story unfolds through the eyes of 11 yr old Claudia, as she watches Pecola's world change bit by painful bit.
Toni Morrison paints rich colors and beautiful songs with her words - this was my first exposure to T.Morrison, and I'll be reading more. What an amazing story.
Marci and Duane S. (flame60) from FORT WORTH, TX wrote on 8/14/2007...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book was very insightful. I will long remember it. It really changed the way I thought about outward appearances. The ending will shock you. Don't read ahead!! I recommend it to anyone courageous enough to look inward.
Sherrie E. (sherrie824) from FORDSVILLE, KY wrote on 7/12/2007...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I totally enjoyed this book. It was quick, easy read. Toni Morrison has a flare and eloquence for pulling you into the story...you can feel the surroundings, the emotions, and the suspense of the situations. It also makes you aware of the hardships, tragedies, and the injustices that the people of this era endured. In my opinion, it is an excellent read!
Camden S. (xserafinx) from ST PETERSBURG, FL wrote on 12/14/2006...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
"The Bluest Eye, the story of a young girl's tortured life, is not a story you can "like". It reads like your worst nightmares, very disturbing and very graphic. It takes a strong stomach to get through this novel. But, this is just what makes the book a masterpiece, that Ms Morrison can draw such powerful feelings from readers. Toni Morrison has grown as a writer. But this book, her first, takes you to a world most didn't know existed and evokes almost unbearably strong emotions. A must read for lovers of great literature. This is not a book you read for pleasure. It's a book you read for the power of the written word."
- Roz Levine
Eileen G. (dulcimerlady) from CASTLE ROCK, WA wrote on 3/16/2006...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
From the Pulitzer-Prize winning author, this first novel is dead-on at the characterization of a young girl. Beautifully written, eloquent in a quiet way.
Valerie F. from KNOXVILLE, TN wrote on 1/23/2006...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book is a classic in contemporary American literature. It was required reading in my daughter's high school, but be warned that the story itself is somewhat disturbing.
Renee' B. (Daydreamsbeliever) from BIRDSBORO, PA wrote on 9/24/2005...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Books don't get much better than this. So perfectly written. The author is a Nobel Prize winner and you tell why. This book was wonderful. Highly recomend.
Maureen H. (Maestra) from FRANKLIN, IN wrote on 8/4/2005...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
A book that must be read completely, no skimming or the allusions are missed.
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Laurie H. (lah) from BELLINGHAM, WA wrote on 6/3/2008...
Toni Morrison is a tremendous writer who really makes me think, and this book was no exception. The details of the story are absolutely tragic- a young girl is raped by her father and bears his baby, who dies. Meanwhile, she's so full of socially-created self-hatred that she wishes for blue eyes, which she comes to believe she's been given. The writing in this book is astonishing. Morrison has managed to produce something more than unmitigated sadness, even though so many details of the story are tremendously sad. This is a powerful book.
Kelli S. from BOISE, ID wrote on 2/26/2007...
Quick read
Monica C. from OXNARD, CA wrote on 1/19/2007...
An interesting book
Pat P. from BILOXI, MS wrote on 9/30/2006...
Wonderful book - very touching.
Julie N. from AUSTIN, TX wrote on 8/28/2006...
Nobel Prize Winner Toni Morrison's first novel. Oprah's Book Club edition.
Elaine M. (ElaineMB) from MYRTLE BEACH, SC wrote on 7/30/2006...
Ms. Morrison at her finest. A terrific read.
Elisha H. (Diva610) from CHICAGO, IL wrote on 7/18/2006...
It is the story of eleven-year-old Pecola Breedlove--a black girl in an America whose love for its blond, blue-eyed children can devastate all others--who prays for her eyes to turn blue: so that she will be beautiful, so that people will look at her, so that her world will be different. This is the story of the nightmare at the heart of her yearning and the tragedy of its fulfillment.
Meredith K. (MHK) from TAUNTON, MA wrote on 7/4/2006...
Very well written.
Fredda C. from N KINGSTOWN, RI wrote on 6/10/2006...
Touching, heartbreaking and unforgettable. The richness of Toni Morrison's language the poignancy of the story earned it the Nobel Prize in Literature. No wonder!!
Cheri M. (cherimac) from MELROSE, MA wrote on 6/6/2006...
An Oprah's book club book. Winner of Nobel Prize in literature.