55 pages 1 hour read

Toni Morrison

Tar Baby

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1981

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Tar Baby by Toni Morrison explores the complicated romance between Jadine Childs, a model, and Son, a fugitive, as they navigate the challenges of identity, love, and societal expectations across varying settings such as the Caribbean, the American South, and New York City. The narrative delves into themes of romantic obligation and betrayal as well as the intersection of social class and race, offering a rich, character-driven story. The book contains scenes of domestic violence and assault, child abuse, and instances of racism and the use of slurs.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Toni Morrison's novel Tar Baby is a complex exploration of identity, race, and class. Critics praise Morrison's lyrical prose and compelling character development, illustrating deep societal conflicts. However, some find the narrative's pacing uneven. Overall, the book's rich thematic content and vivid storytelling make it a compelling read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Tar Baby?

Readers who appreciate Tar Baby by Toni Morrison are likely enthusiasts of rich, complex narratives exploring themes of race, identity, and class. Comparable to fans of Beloved by Morrison herself or The Color Purple by Alice Walker, they seek profound literary fiction that delves into African American experiences and intricate character development.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Race / Racism

Class

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Love

Identity: Gender

Identity: Race

Genre

African American Literature

American Literature

Modern Classic Fiction