Sula

by Toni Morrison
Sula cover
Good Books rating 4.35
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 1078
  • Added: 2025-09-25
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9780786246533
  • Published: 2002-01-01
  • Formats: 54
  • Reviews: 4

In 'Sula,' Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison crafts a powerful narrative that delves into the intricate relationship between two women, Sula and Nel, set against the backdrop of a harsh and unforgiving community known as the Bottom. The novel is celebrated for its lyrical and evocative language, which brings to life the struggles, joys, and tragedies of its characters. Morrison's exploration of identity, community, and the destructive forces of societal norms makes this a profound and unforgettable read. /n/n The story unfolds with a rich tapestry of emotions and historical context, offering a deep dive into the lives of African American women in the early 20th century. Through the lens of Sula and Nel's friendship, Morrison examines themes of love, betrayal, and the search for self-identity. The novel's unabridged audiobook format, spanning 5 CDs, ensures that the full depth and nuance of Morrison's prose are captured, making it a compelling listen as well as a read.

Reviews
Reading Matters Blog · 2024-02-23
gorgeous 4.50

The prose is breathtaking and the story is masterfully crafted with unexpected twists. The writing is flawless and the narrative is deeply engaging.

This reviewer was captivated by the beauty and complexity of the prose, which they describe as flawless and breathtaking. They highlight the unexpected twists and turns that make the story so engaging. The narrative is praised for its depth and richness, making it a standout piece of literature. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the book is palpable, emphasizing how the writing elevates the story to something truly special.

Quick quotes

    This is an absolutely gorgeous book.

    The prose is beautiful and flawless in its entirety.

    The twists are so unexpected; the way it's written you

The Paris Review · Namwali Serpell · 2022-02-09
profound 4.20

The reviewer explores the complexity of the character Sula, highlighting her beauty and unconventional behavior. The book is seen as a profound exploration of love and relationships.

Namwali Serpell delves into the complexity of the character Sula, describing her as beautiful and loose, with a lifestyle that defies conventional norms. They appreciate the way Morrison portrays Sula's relationships and her impact on the community. The reviewer finds the book to be a profound exploration of love and relationships, with a depth that resonates long after reading. They highlight the nuanced portrayal of characters and the intricate web of emotions that Morrison weaves throughout the narrative.

Quick quotes

    Sula the woman is beautiful and loose; she works little and discards people; she sleeps around with the men in town and catches feelings for one ...

    This book about them—and about how their beauty is drained back and frozen—is a howl of love and rage, playful and funny as well as hard and ...

    Whenever someone asks me about Toni Morrison, I always recommend Sula as a good introduction to her work and as a sort of epistle on friendship.

Sharee Hereford · 2021-12-08
masterful 4.70

The book is considered a masterpiece and one of Morrison's best works. The reviewer rates it highly for its profound exploration of love and kinship.

This reviewer is highly enthusiastic about the book, rating it 4.7 out of 5 stars and considering it one of Morrison's best works. They appreciate the profound exploration of love and kinship, as well as the unique perspective it offers on life in America. The reviewer's admiration for the book is evident, highlighting its masterful storytelling and emotional depth.

Quick quotes

    I rated this book 4.7 of 5 stars, and dare I say it's Morrison's best book, a tricky thing to say, I know.

    Sula is a modern masterpiece about love and kinship, about living in an America birthed from slavery.

    Masterful, richly textured, bittersweet, and vital, Sula is a modern masterpiece about love and kinship.

Mother Booker Blog · 2020-08-24
beautiful 4.00

The writing is dense and poetic, painting a vivid picture of community life. The characters are complex and the narrative is richly textured.

The reviewer appreciates the dense and poetic nature of Morrison's writing, which they feel paints a vivid and immersive picture of community life. They highlight the complexity of the characters and the richness of the narrative, which they find deeply engaging. The reviewer also notes that the book is a beautiful exploration of various themes, making it a significant piece of literature.

Quick quotes

    Like all of Toni Morrison's writing, Sula is beautiful, dense and poetic.

    She manages to paint a fantastic picture of life in the community of

    The characters are entirely vile, especially Sula, who

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