Ruth A. reviewed on 5/21/2010 + 43 more book reviews

A historical novel set in 1690 about the origins of racism in the United States that isn't obvious or cliched in any way. Morrison creates a sense of the narrow confines of this society. These characters, each suffering from a lack of mothering, do the best they can in lives that are severely circumscribed. Amazing stuff on the origins of racial prejudice and ideas of slavery, ownership of persons and indentured servitude--and how people treat children. A particularly compelling scene is the young slave woman at the center of the novel being examined by some people who suspect her of witchcraft--she's been enslaved her whole life and seen harsh things, but she's stunned that they view her body in this way. It's like watching the beginning of something horrible unfolding right there.

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