Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

A Mercy

By Toni Morrison

The many flashbacks and pidgin English made this book rather confusing. It would probably have been clearer if I had been able to read it in one go. The period is interesting and some of the observations/vignettes were fascinating especially relating to the treatment of the slaves  and the difficulties facing the early settlers but overall the mode of storytelling did not appeal to me 5/10

 

The stories of the characters are beautifully written conveying the trials of their lives and survival in the  harsh environment and brutal landscape of North America. However, I found the ending disappointing and unfinished. I feel I need to read the book again for better understanding - but not at present, it is too gloomy 6/10


It was a difficult book to read as the chapters seemed to follow no sequence and connection. The storyline was sombre and at times harrowing. There were however glimpses and splashes of colour and beauty in the text. It gave the reader a picture of rural America in the 17th century 5/10