91 pages 3 hours read

Toni Morrison

Song of Solomon

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1977

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison follows the journey of Milkman Dead, a young Black man in Michigan who feels disconnected from his family and peers. As he matures, Milkman embarks on a quest for lost gold, which leads him to uncover his family's rich history and heritage, beginning with his great-grandfather's legendary flight to Africa, ultimately transforming his understanding of identity and belonging. Issues addressed include racism, violence, and suicide.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon captivates readers with its rich, lyrical prose and profound exploration of African American culture and identity. Praised for its intricate characters and compelling narrative, it offers deep insights into issues of race, heritage, and self-discovery. Some readers find the dense, symbolic content challenging, but many agree it’s a rewarding read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Song of Solomon?

A reader who enjoys Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison would likely appreciate complex narratives intertwining African American culture and history with rich character development. Fans of Alice Walker's The Color Purple or Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude may find similar enjoyment in the novel's exploration of identity, heritage, and community.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

870L

Book Details

Period

Existentialism

Themes

Relationships: Family

Genre

American Literature

Education

Historical Fiction

Topics

Education