God Help The Child by Toni Morrison

So painful to read about Sweetness's feelings about a dark colored baby in God Help The Child by Toni Morrison. In the end, Sweetness wonders whether Bride's Booker will feel that way if their newborn is "blue black." Ouch. There are so many types of racism in this life. A race's own hatred of self, color of skin, is one type. Because of her negative feelings about color,  I wanted to see Sweetness grow. I felt as though Booker, Bride and Queen claimed the spotlight along with Booker's murdered brother who, of course, had to play a significant role.

In the end, I didn't feel Sweetness really changed. I think she wanted to change. Bride seemed to feel that society must begin to change first. Then, she could fit her new, positive feelings into the circle of life. I was left with the feeling that once a racist always a racist. I do have to call Sweetness a dangerous racist. Her feelings enter the realms of family, our most sacred place for relationships.

Why is she named Sweetness? I'm still wondering about her name. She felt so bitter about the newborn. I wanted her to have some name that meant bitterness like Mara. This name is found in the Book of Ruth. How Bride, her daughter, makes it through life with any dignity is a miracle in itself. I began the novel with a strong dislike. The style of writing seemed off slightly, immature, not Toni Morrison. Certainly not like the novels written in past years. However, the novel,God Help The Child, is worthy of discussion. In my book, Toni Morrison still knows how to reach in and dig out the hidden issues of a race. She makes us look at ourselves and feel shame. Then, have a desire to pray for change.

For the first time while reading a novel, I didn't cringe because of the presentation of child molestation.  I have to thank Toni Morrison for escorting me through the disappearance and loss of innocence of children without making me want to fall apart.biography.com/people/toni-morrison-9415590#later-works



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