Customer Reviews: Read 5 more reviews...
 The Bluest Eye October 2, 2008
Filled with striking imagery which makes up for the sometimes fragmented narrative. A sad tale which for me evoked a time and a place vividly. Perhaps a little overly 'literary' in places, I thought this was worth reading.
Interesting but incomplete April 11, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The Bluest Eye is about race relations and, as such, can never be completely understandable to a non-American such as me. It revolves around a simple and very sad story of rape, incest and the victimisation of a little girl in 1940s America. It is told from the point of view of blacks - this was before the term African-American - and partly in another child's voice. The little girl thinks herself ugly and envies the looks of blue-eyed whites. That a black child could consider herself physically inferior was a real shock to me, and for considering this only the book is worth reading. One wonders how much this has changed in the last four decades.
There is a broader subject, however, which is the psychological impact and destructive power of models of beauty, especially feminine beauty. This, unfortunately, is only alluded to and could have been addressed in far more depth. The book also lacks the victim's own voice. Because it is told in chronological disorder and from different protagonists' angles, the story tends to be less strongly felt. At times it almost reads like a documentary. Perhaps this is for the best, since some scenes might have been unbearable if told by the central character herself. Still, while interesting and often revealing, this book too often gave me the impression of being unfinished.
 The Bluest Eyes October 24, 2007
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
This was my first introduction to Toni Morrison many years ago. I re-read it after unpacking from a house move. It remains a beautifully written, evocative and gently powerful text. I remembered why I am still 'hooked' on her writing.
 Fragmentary but beautiful January 3, 2007
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
More a collection of mini-stories than a fully developed narrative, The Bluest Eye looks at the different factors involved in a young girl's becoming pregnant by her father, from her stay with friends to the histories of her parents and their relationship. It is sensitively told without judgement, and you get a feel for the tragedies of all the characters concerned.
One of her earlier works, this isn't the best book if you want to discover Toni Morrison, but it is beautifully written as always, and a fascinating insight into her early development. Most useful here is a postscript by Morrison where she identifies her intentions and some of the weaknesses in the book.
The Bluest Eyes July 12, 2005
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
A moving and well written story. Structured through different points of view to suck the reader right into the heart of the story. The dialogue flows easily and doesn't alienate the reader who lacks prior knowledge of the culture or linguistic style.
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