God Help the Child

Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison narrates a melancholy story of interconnected characters who remain impacted by their difficult childhood experiences. Taking her time with her delivery, Morrison keeps to a pace and tone that suggest aging wisdom and lack of judgment--even as some of her characters act out their anxieties and impulsivity. She differentiates characters by changing her vocal tone and resonance--as when Queen says to the uniquely beautiful Bride, "You look like something a raccoon found and refused to eat." Such a telling line in the unraveling messiness of childhood traumas! T.E.C. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

Starred review from December 22, 2014
In Morrison's short, emotionally-wrenching novel, her first since 2012's Home, a mother learns about the damage adults do to children and the choices children make as they grow to suppress, express, or overcome their shame. The story begins with the birth of Lula Ann Bridewell, a midnight black baby whose mother cannot stand to touch her. Grown-up Lula Ann transforms herself into Bride, a stiletto-wearing, Jaguar-driving California executive with dark skin proudly accentuated by stylish white clothing. Amid preparations for the launch of her signature cosmetics line, Bride offers a gift-bag of cash and cosmetics to parolee Sofia Huxley, the kindergarten teacher Bride accused of sexual abuse 15 years before, earning Bride maternal approval and Sofia her prison sentence. Sofia's angry rejection of Bride's present, coinciding with the departure of Bride's lover, inspires such self-doubt that Bride fears regressing back into Lula Ann. A car accident lands her in a culvert, where a little girl keeping dark secrets of her own comes to the rescue. Nobel laureate Morrison explores characteristic themes of people held captive by inner struggles; the delusion of racism; violence and redemption. Her literary craftsmanship endures with sparse language, precise imagery, and even humor. This haunting novel displays a profound understanding of American culture and an unwavering sense of justice and forgiveness.