Book review: God help the child

When Lula Ann is born, her mother can hardly stand to look at her. Being coloured herself but with a fair complexion, she cannot believe how a daughter of hers could be born with such a dark skin. Her husband, convinced that the baby is not his, decides to leave and lead his life away from them.

The revulsion the mother feels towards her baby's colour will determine her whole behaviour towards the child and the way she will bring her up. Lula Ann is a deeply unloved kid, desperate to get her mom's attention and affection. She even lies in court and her testimony has an innocent woman sent to prison only to have her mother touch her and feel close to her. 

As Lula Ann grows, her blue black complexion becomes her biggest advantage. She leaves home, becomes successful running her own cosmetic line and dresses only in white to give her appearance a striking effect. She even changes her name to Bride. No one has the option not to notice and admire her.

Yet, the unloving relationship she had with her mother still remains a crucial factor in her life, something that does not let her live a satisfied, fulfilled life. And then, when the woman she had accused at court is released and her boyfriend abandons her, Bride makes a decision. Will she be able to get over what happened in the past and gets her share of happiness?

The new novel by Toni Morrison is inspiring, daring and thought provoking. It shows how our childhood experiences can form our adult life, how bad decisions and memories can haunt us and how human will can overcome them and move forward. It is very well written and structured, with chapters that connect perfectly with one another. The only disadvantage is that it could be a bit longer so that the issues it deals with - self acceptance, emotional scarring, child abuse, race and colour - could be explored further.



+very good structure, well written, provoking
- short



(written by FK for Walkley Library)



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