A Mercy

by Toni Morrison
A Mercy cover
Good Books rating 3.77
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 719
  • Added: 2025-09-19
  • Updated: 2025-09-20
  • ISBN: 9780099502548
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2009-01-01
  • Formats: 26
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

'A Mercy' by Toni Morrison is a powerful exploration of the human condition set against the backdrop of 17th-century America. The novel intricately weaves together the lives of characters affected by slavery, focusing on the strained relationship between a mother and daughter. The mother's desperate act of abandonment to save her daughter sets off a chain of events that reveal the deep-seated injustices and moral ambiguities of the time. Morrison's lyrical prose and profound insight into human nature make this a compelling read. The story is not just about slavery but also about the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring bonds of family, even in the face of immense hardship.

Reviews
Equal Opportunity Reader · 2020-07-01
mixed 3.00

While Morrison's writing is brilliant, this novel falls short compared to her other works. The narrative structure feels rushed, and some character developments are underdeveloped.

The reviewer from Equal Opportunity Reader acknowledges Toni Morrison's brilliance as a writer but finds A Mercy to be one of her weaker novels. They appreciate the ambitious narrative structure and the exploration of complex themes, but they feel that the execution falls short. The reviewer notes that some character arcs are not fully developed, and the pacing feels rushed in places. Despite these criticisms, they recognize the novel's strengths in its historical depth and emotional resonance, making it a worthwhile read for Morrison fans.

Quick quotes

    Brilliant compared to everybody else, but this is Morrison's worst.

    The narrative structure feels rushed, and some character developments are underdeveloped.

    A Mercy is a worthwhile read for Morrison fans.

Goodreads · 2008-11-11
thought-provoking 3.80

The novel reveals the hidden depths of slavery and the complex relationships between mothers and daughters. The storytelling is both ambivalent and disturbing, making it a powerful read.

Goodreads reviewers highlight A Mercy as a novel that delves deep into the hidden aspects of slavery and the intricate dynamics between mothers and daughters. They describe the storytelling as ambivalent and disturbing, which adds to the novel's power and impact. The reviewers appreciate Morrison's ability to create a narrative that is both emotionally charged and intellectually stimulating. They find the novel to be a compelling exploration of historical and personal trauma, making it a standout work in Morrison's repertoire. The reviews emphasize the novel's ability to provoke thought and evoke strong emotions, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    A Mercy reveals what lies beneath the surface of slavery.

    It is the ambivalent, disturbing story of a mother and a daughter.

    The novel is a compelling exploration of historical and personal trauma.

The Guardian · Hilary Mantel · 2008-10-26
profound 4.50

The novel is a timely parable about the United States's traumatic history, blending historical depth with emotional resonance. Morrison's characters are vividly drawn, and the narrative is both powerful and haunting.

Hilary Mantel, in her review for The Guardian, praises Toni Morrison's ability to weave a compelling narrative that delves into the complex history of the United States. She highlights Morrison's skill in creating characters that are deeply human and relatable, despite their historical context. Mantel finds the novel to be a powerful exploration of themes such as freedom, identity, and the lingering effects of trauma. The review emphasizes the emotional depth and resonance of the story, making it a significant contribution to Morrison's body of work. Mantel particularly appreciates the way Morrison handles the multiple perspectives, each adding a layer of richness to the overall narrative.

Quick quotes

    Morrison's characters are vividly drawn, and the narrative is both powerful and haunting.

    A timely parable about the United States's traumatic history.

    The novel is a significant contribution to Morrison's body of work.

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