91 pages • 3 hours read
Song of Solomon
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Book Brief
352
Novel • Fiction
Michigan • Mid-20th Century
1977
Adult
18+ years
870L
Super Short Summary
Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison follows the journey of Milkman Dead, a young Black man in Michigan who feels disconnected from his family and peers. As he matures, Milkman embarks on a quest for lost gold, which leads him to uncover his family's rich history and heritage, beginning with his great-grandfather's legendary flight to Africa, ultimately transforming his understanding of identity and belonging. Issues addressed include racism, violence, and suicide.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Melancholic
Adventurous
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
122,060 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon captivates readers with its rich, lyrical prose and profound exploration of African American culture and identity. Praised for its intricate characters and compelling narrative, it offers deep insights into issues of race, heritage, and self-discovery. Some readers find the dense, symbolic content challenging, but many agree it’s a rewarding read.
Who Should Read Song of Solomon?
A reader who enjoys Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison would likely appreciate complex narratives intertwining African American culture and history with rich character development. Fans of Alice Walker's The Color Purple or Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude may find similar enjoyment in the novel's exploration of identity, heritage, and community.
122,060 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Macon Dead Jr.
Macon Dead Jr.
Macon is Milkman's father, a wealthy and embittered businessman obsessed with material success and respectability.
Pilate Dead
Pilate Dead
Pilate is a strong and unconventional woman who fosters a loving and nurturing environment despite having little material wealth.
Guitar Bains
Guitar Bains
Guitar is Milkman's best friend, who struggles against racial injustice and becomes increasingly involved in a militant group.
Ruth Foster Dead
Ruth Foster Dead
Ruth is Milkman’s mother, whose life is marked by emotional distress and familial conflict, relying on others for strength.
First Corinthians Dead
First Corinthians Dead
First Corinthians is Milkman's sister, who confronts societal expectations and her family's restrictions in search of personal fulfillment.
Magdalena “Lena” Dead
Magdalena “Lena” Dead
Lena is Milkman's other sister, known for her silent dedication to family, who eventually confronts the oppressive dynamics in her household.
Hagar
Hagar
Hagar is Milkman's cousin and lover, who becomes consumed with despair following Milkman's rejection.
352
Novel • Fiction
Michigan • Mid-20th Century
1977
Adult
18+ years
870L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.