On Morrison

“On Morrison is a perfect pairing of author and subject, a work of literary criticism that expands our understanding of Toni Morrison’s literary work and her cultural meaning. . . . An exhilarating read that also serves as a master class in how to blend scholarly analysis with deeply personal observations.”—The Boston Globe

“One reason On Morrison was such a joy to read is that I felt guided by a writer who shares both my admiration and my fear of lionising. . . . With On Morrison, Serpell has managed to deliver a book that works on many levels: as a study of craft, as a critical appraisal, and as a tribute to an artist who was difficult in all the right ways . . . a landmark appraisal.”—Laila Lalami, The Guardian

“[A] lavish yet clear-eyed study . . . literary criticism at its finest.”—Time

“Revelatory . . . will captivate everyone from newcomers to [Morrison’s] most devoted fans.”—Vulture

“Invigorating . . . an informed, accessible literary analysis.”—The Wall Street Journal

“Resplendent . . . fresh and smart . . . [a] work of swaggering genius.”—Bookforum

“Decades in the making, On Morrison is [Serpell’s] breathtakingly comprehensive analysis of the Nobel laureate’s oeuvre.”—Book Page

“[A] book that will serve lovers of Morrison for years to come.”—BookRiot

“On Morrison brings the reader on new journeys through [Morrison’s] famous fiction and her lesser-known plays and poetry. Serpell will make you want to read literature with fresh eyes and rediscover a love for reading.”—Electric Literature

“This is a book that rises to the challenge of extending and expanding a legacy by giving the person at the heart of that legacy time, rigor, and care.”—Hanif Abdurraqib, New York Times bestselling author of There’s Always This Year

“In On Morrison, Serpell applies her prodigious intellect, vast literary archive, and her own calling as a novelist to magnificent effect in this breathtaking, provocative, and refreshing engagement with Morrison as a thinker as well as an artist. Filled with unique analyses, deep dives, and an intellectual playfulness that Morrison herself so valued, this book will stand as one of the most important twenty-first-century works on the great American writer.”—Imani Perry, author of South to America

“Only Namwali Serpell could write a critical guide on Toni Morrison’s novels that is as gripping as it is intellectually brilliant. While On Morrison provides a lucid and revelatory close read of all of her work, it’s also a love letter to reading itself; to the virtues of difficulty; to Black literary inheritance; and to Morrison’s uncompromising vision in always bringing the center to the margins. On Morrison is a classic.”—Cathy Park Hong, author of Minor Feelings

“Dazzling . . . Serpell uses intellectual rigor alongside inventive flair to tackle Toni Morrison’s writing in ways that feel both fresh and deeply expanding. This book is an illuminating guide to understanding how best to read, understand, and admire one of American literature’s greatest voices.”—Isaac Fitzgerald, TODAY

“Graceful, exhilarating . . . Serpell deserves consideration for a major prize. Mostly she deserves our gratitude and admiration: On Morrison gives us, in precise yet supple prose, a close reading in action and an exemplar of literary criticism. . . . This book will spur you to pour over the master’s achievements.”—On the Seawall

“On Morrison is not simply a literary miracle; it is a cultural feat, a damn near perfect concoction made maybe once in a generation. It is what happens when a mind as curious as it is expansive explores the work of the greatest maker of novels in American history.”—Kiese Laymon, author of Heavy

“A thrilling, candid, and immersive study of one extraordinary mind by another . . . a necessary book and a brilliant achievement.”—Preti Taneja, author of We That Are Young

“An impressive, nuanced work of scholarship.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“An insightful and stimulating exploration of the work of Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison. . . . Serpell puts Morrison’s genius on full display. This will enthrall Morrison fans and cultivate new ones.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Illuminating and fascinating . . . [On Morrison] offers insight and fresh perspectives and will appeal to readers new to and deeply familiar with Morrison’s vital body of work.”—Booklist, starred review

“A high-flying, fantastically erudite rendition of how Morrison wanted to be read, blending the scholarly and the personal response to her work with seamless flair and conviction.”—Diana Evans, author of A House for Alice