Recitatif

Reviews / Votes

Recitatif is the only short story written by the powerhouse novelist . . . Morrison's sharp-eyed treatment of race, racism, and racial hierarchies remains relevant, digging deep into the marrow of society's maladies. * Literary Hub * [A] stunning work . . . An illuminating introduction . . . The author's experiment pays off brilliantly, forcing the reader to consider racial stereotypes while also providing an indelible story. * Publishers Weekly * The gravitas and unparalleled skill found in Morrison's best-known work is on full display in this compact powerhouse. * Publishers Weekly * A uniquely interesting and enlightening reading experience. * Kirkus Reviews * This is the perfect text for a country still vigorously debating the relevance of race . . . The singular quality of this story makes it worthwhile, especially because the book contains a long, thoughtful introduction by Zadie Smith [which] provides a close reading and examines the way racial categories function in our allegedly post-racial culture. * Washington Post * This smart slippery tale... [is] highly relevant to our times... [Recitatif] serves as a challenge to contemporary novels that prefer to take refuge in racial orthodoxy than unsettle it, as Morrison so brilliantly does here * Daily Mail * A compelling exploration of race and relationships * i * So thought-provoking you'll want everyone you know to read it * Daily Mail, *Summer Reads of 2022* * Genius * Guardian *