THE BLUEST EYE

More than 50 years after its initial print publication, Morrison's debut novel, narrated by the author, continues to resonate with lyricism and relevance. Eleven-year-old Pecola Breedlove desperately longs for the pinnacle of whiteness--blue eyes--which she believes will transform her ugly Blackness and allow her to escape the appalling abuse of her everyday life. With exquisite pacing and modulation, Morrison depicts a town in which Pecola is one among many in her misery, and self-loathing and cruelty are commonplace. Morrison's careful narration highlights the novel's poetic cadence, encouraging listeners to dwell within her words and immerse themselves in the colors and images she describes. She infuses a dreadful melancholy into this production, creating a listening experience that is achingly beautiful even as it cuts to the bone. S.A.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2021]