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Toni Morrison (b1931)
Who?
One of the most important contemporary US writers, whose shockingly powerful accounts of African-American women's struggles in a white-dominated society characterise her politically aware stories. Some critics have called her a black William Faulkner or James Joyce.
Must reads
The Bluest Eye (1970), Sula (1974), Song of Soloman (1977), Tar Baby (1981), Beloved (1987), Jazz (1992) Paradise (1998), and The Big Box (a children's book collaboration with her son Slade (1999).
Darkest hour
In 1964, she divorced from her husband, Jamiacan architect Harold Morrison, with whom she had two sons.
Greatest triumph
She was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1993.
Essential quotes
'And the chain gang beat. The women for having known them and no more, no more; the children for having been them but never again. They killed a boss so often and so completely they had to bring him back to life to pulp him one more time.' (Beloved)
'The dirt yards, carefully swept and sprinkled in Haven, became lawns in Ruby until, finally, front yards were given over completely to flowers for no good reason except there was time in which to do it.' (Paradise)
'Macon didn't wait to put his fork down. He dropped it on the table while his hand was on its way across the bread plate becoming the fist he smashed into her jaw.' (Song of Soloman)
Did u know?
Her real name is Chloe Anthony Morrison, neé Wofford. Toni is a shortened version of her middle name.
Film versions
Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover starred in a 1998 version of Beloved, in which a slave is by visited her deceased daughter's spirit.
What to say
Her detailed descriptions of vicious violence and agonising struggle against prejudice are made compelling by her use of a rich vocabulary.
Don't say
Isn't Toni a man's name?
Copies of the featured books can be purchased from various suppliers including Amazon, Blackwell's and WHSmith.
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