63 pages • 2 hours read
Jazz
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Book Brief
229
Novel • Fiction
Harlem, New York • 1920s
1992
Adult
18+ years
980L
Super Short Summary
Jazz by Toni Morrison is set in Harlem in the 1920s and follows Joe Trace, who has an affair with a young woman named Dorcas and ultimately kills her when she rejects him, prompting Joe's wife Violet to obsess over Dorcas in an effort to understand her. The novel delves into the interconnected lives of Joe, Violet, and Dorcas, exploring themes of love, trauma, and communal healing while evoking the rhythms and complexity of jazz music. The book includes themes such as racist violence and suicide.
Mysterious
Melancholic
Contemplative
Emotional
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
35,044 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Toni Morrison's Jazz is celebrated for its evocative prose and rich historical backdrop, immersing readers in 1920s Harlem. Critics praise its deep exploration of love, pain, and redemption. However, some find the narrative structure disorienting, which may challenge reader engagement. Overall, Morrison's lyrical storytelling remains a highlight.
Who Should Read Jazz?
Readers who enjoy Beloved by Toni Morrison, The Color Purple by Alice Walker, and Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison will find Jazz compelling. Ideal for those interested in rich, lyrical prose, complex characters, and themes of African American history, love, and urban life in early 20th-century Harlem.
35,044 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Violet Trace
Violet Trace
Joe's wife, who struggles with past traumas and complex emotions in her marriage. She undergoes significant personal growth and transformation over the course of the story.
Dorcas
Dorcas
A young woman in Harlem who becomes romantically involved with Joe. Her life and choices significantly impact the lives of those around her.
Unnamed Narrator
Unnamed Narrator
An enigmatic figure offering insights and opinions on the characters' lives, providing a unique perspective on the unfolding events.
Wild
Wild
A mysterious woman living in the woods, tied to Joe's past, she represents a life of freedom and serves as a symbolic figure within the narrative.
Felice
Felice
A friend of Dorcas who plays a key role in the lives of Joe and Violet. She offers truth and clarity about Dorcas and aids in the healing process.
229
Novel • Fiction
Harlem, New York • 1920s
1992
Adult
18+ years
980L
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