final project: Reader Response

On Goodreads the Reviews were mostly good reviews. The readers loved the book for the most part but there were a few people who absolutely hated it. They didn’t understand what was going on or were just offended by it claiming Morrison was trying to make them feel guilty for things they themselves couldn’t control. A lot of people loved the ghost part of Beloved and the rememories that Sethe had. Although they themselves didn’t go through slavery they felt the impact that Beloved had on them. They felt the pain and suffering of slavery that Morrison gave the novel. One person wrote, “ Slavery is such an essential part of all our heritage that reading this treatment of it felt very personal, like listening to secrets about your grandparents”. The reviews from Barnes and Noble were similar to Goodreads reviews. There were more good reviews than bad. Many say it’s a “masterpiece” and a “must read”. Someone who had been apprehensive about reading the book because they had heard bad things about it went into reading with a bad attitude. They say, “ After reading the first couple chapters I understood Toni’s writing style and was able to really get into it. I was never bored and was able to put myself in the story”. Other peoples opinions are, “ it is a complex novel and a waste of time to read” and “ read it only if you’re forced”. They couldn’t keep up with different voice narrating and the constant changing time periods. Many others connected to the novel and say its,  “the most moving, soulful story of the slavery experience I have ever read”. There were also mixed reviews on amazon. “ One of the most challenging books I’ve read. But also one of the richest probing stories”.

I agree with both the people that loved it and hated it in a way. I agree with the people that hated it on how the book was a bit confusing at first. To the people that were offended by it, I can see where you might be coming from but I myself was not offended. I don’t think Morrison was trying to make us feel guilty, as we personally did not do anything. Morrison was just trying to fill in the gaps and silences and help shed light on the slavery experience from an African American woman’s point of view. I think although that the history of slavery for the majority affects African Americans more than white people, it also still has an impact on many whites as well. I agree this book can definitely take you to a different time period and make you feel the emotions that this book entails. After a while I think the confusion diminishes and once you realize what’s going on, its easier to follow along. I think this is a very moving story and I think it is a beneficial novel to read. I don’t agree that this is the most challenging book I have ever read but it definitely is one of the most historical and real-life emotional layered text I have ever read. Although it is a complex novel, I don’t think it is a waste of time to read.