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Title: One of the extraordinary works of the 20th century...
Review: There are a dozen reasons to resist Beloved: It is too PC, Morrison supports O.J. Simpson, magical realism and stream-of-consciousness are passé. Nonetheless, Beloved is one of the extraordinary works of the 20th century. It combines a compelling story, a profound depiction of slavery and its human consequences, insight into pride, consciousness and self-awareness. The author's style fits the tale on several levels: its portrayal of an institution and experience too hideous to convey in conventional terms, its roots in the African story-telling modes and, finally, a sonorous resonance. The final pathos in the plot is its roots in a historic incident.As an avid reader, I'm surprised it took me fifteen years to catch up with Beloved. It has left an indelible impression.
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