Review on A Mercy Toni Morrison Audiobook by Ruth Coleman

There is more to this novel than a typical slave story. Instead of repeated accounts of slave abuse in the 17th century, Morrison delves into the psychological causes of abuse and their survival during this troubled time in American history. The story follows a young girl, Florence, whose mother offered her as payment for a deal between a cold-hearted slave trader and a more understanding entrepreneur, Jacob Waark. Her mother knew that Vaark offered a better life, but Florence misunderstands her mother's reasoning and thinks that her mother left her to stay with her child. Florence is emotionally traumatized by the experience and unable to process her pain. The novel takes us on a journey as Florence struggles to find her identity apart from the other characters and her status as a slave. Its owner, Jacob Waark, is also concerned with a person's value to the world, be it reputation or wealth. The story continues to follow Florence as she works for the Waark family, where she is treated well aside from the emotional struggles she imposes on herself. In search of answers to complex questions about 17th-century life, identity, and dignity, Morrison's novel features a unique writing style that offers readers first- and second-person perspectives on other characters in the story. Although this makes for erroneous reading, the analysis of the author's message about slavery and self-identification is more accessible. Rather than focusing on the physical brutality of slavery, Morrison offers a new perspective on the emotional and mental toll slavery can take on a person's identity. Without efforts to preserve one's identity, a person can be lost in bondage, and a vicious following can last into eternity. This practice can turn a slave of the body into a slave of the mind. I recommend this novel to anyone interested in the psychological treatment of slavery and the emotional status of slave traders in 17th century America.