'A Mercy' by Toni Morrison - Book Review

A Mercy by Toni Morrison is a short novel, and can be appreciated best when read in one or a couple sittings. Indeed, the the simple story is told in several voices, but reading these voices in succession weaves a tapestry that tells a larger story about America's history of slavery and the extermination of Native Americans. A Mercy is not plot or character driven -- it is about the voice of the past and what it means to be human.

The main character in A Mercy is Florens, a slave whose mother gives her away in 1690. Florens is haunted by her mother's decision. She is also driven by love for a free, African-American blacksmith. She is sent on an errand to fetch the blacksmith in hopes that he will be able to heal her mistress of smallpox.

The plot of A Mercy is relatively simple, but each chapter contains a different voice -- Florens, the Mistress, the Native American woman in their household, another slave, some neighboring servants. The variety of perspectives shines light on all the forces at play in the family. This family, in turn, points to how life was in America at this moment in history.

A Mercy is the first Toni Morrison book I have read, so I am unable to compare it to her previous novels, such as Beloved. Even from the small sample of Morrison's writing that I experienced in A Mercy, it was clear to me that she is a very skilled author. She is able to capture a variety of voices and emotions with her words. I would guess, however, that this is not her best work. It contained skill and depth, but I had trouble connecting to the novel. It was not difficult for me to put it down.

I would, however, recommend it to anyone interested in historical fiction that deals with slavery in America. It is a quick, thought-provoking read.