Have "A Mercy" on me !

It's been over 5 years since I read a book for pleasure and entertainment, which is really sad because I thoroughly enjoy reading. On my conference trip this week, I picked up Toni Morrison's latest novel, A Mercy.

I had forgotten how difficult it is for me to read Toni Morrison's books. Until I read the first few pages and then had to read them a few more times just to get an understanding of what was happening. Like all of her books I have to struggle to get started and just when I think I am getting it, she throws a "curve ball" that is beyond my understanding, She has a tendency to give the reader little clues and then later reveal the answer...by then I have to go back and read th clues again....it's like piecing together a puzzle for me, which can be mentally draining. After five years of reading research papers, and children's books my mind was not ready for the creative Toni Morrison.

I managed to complete the book while waiting in airports and on my flights. At the end, I felt as if I was missing something and the story wasn't over....When I got to the last page I kept flipping back to make sure I had not missed anything. I was also quite depressed....the topics of slavery, indentured servants and the plight of women in the 1680's was just too heavy for me.

However, I am always impressed with Toni Morrison's ability to convey stories in such a poetic manner. This novel read like poetry....we all know that poetry contains many messages and can have many meanings. I am sure I will read this again and find new things, meanings and messages I did not catch the first time. Actually, I have kept all her books with the intention of re-reading !!