Monday, 19 January 2009

The Big Box by Toni Morrison (Review)

Toni Morrison's novels have always combined a deep psychological insight with a vigorous critique of society. It is not surprising then that this approach is replicated in her lesser-known work, The Big Box. This book, aimed at children eight-years-old and up, is a thoughtful exposé of what happens when adults attempt to determine children's limits. Told from the points of view of three 'feisty kids' who just can't handle their freedom, the book addresses issues like the generational gap, the meaning of innocence and the stifling of children's individuality nowadays.Through Patty, Mickey and Liza Sue's eyes, we learn of the world that has been created for them by adults. It's a big brown box with swings and slides, and a canopy bed but the door only opens one way. It has carpets, curtains and beanbag chairs but the door has three big locks. The children's parents visit them frequently and bring them presents, but how can that compare with actual freedom?

The book's two other major collaborators are Slade Morrison, Toni Morrison's son, who was only nine when he devised this story and Giselle Porter, whose illustrations transport the reader vividly to the enclosed world that awaits Patty, Mickey and Liza Sue inside the Big Box. This text is a must-read not just for children but also for adults who sometimes think they know better and end up limiting children's individuality.

This review appeared first on Catch a Vibe, a new online alternative guide to black culture in London.

Copyright 2009
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28 comments:

  1. High Desert Diva20 January 2009 at 00:12

    I didn't know she had written any books for children.

    I do believe this will be on my list of gifts to give...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lyn20 January 2009 at 00:19

    The illustration alone makes me want to get it.
    The "stifling of children's individuality nowadays"...I think it was more intense when I was growing up. And what does that prove? It just takes longer to "find" ourselves. So, no more stifling!
    Thanks so much.
    Lyn

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous20 January 2009 at 00:51

    Toni Morrison is one of my absolute favourite writers and thinkers. I adore her, and I will get this book for my son. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Lisetg20 January 2009 at 01:21

    Sounds very nice.

    sabes que me estoy leyendo Wild Swans, por la critica que lei un dia en este blog y me gusto mucho. Pero los años de universidad, cuando me leia un libro en dias, pasaron! jaja. soy una tortuga ahora, internet y las fotos me llevan demasiado tiempo.

    Si veo este lo leo.

    saludos

    ReplyDelete
  5. Char20 January 2009 at 05:53

    thanks for dropping by and reading my little interview. I enjoyed this review of the book. I will have to look into it as I've never heard of it before. My favorite book by Toni Morrison is The Bluest Eyes.

    :)

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  6. A Cuban In London20 January 2009 at 09:27

    Thank you all for you kind comments. 'The Bluest Eye' remains my favourite Toni Morrison's, too.

    Greetings from London.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Susana20 January 2009 at 12:12

    Si lo pillo por alguna librería de por aquí o la biblioteca, me lo leo! Gracias por tu review y tus visitas a mi blog!

    ReplyDelete
  8. A Cuban In London20 January 2009 at 13:35

    Gracias a ti, Susana.

    Saludos desde Londres.

    ReplyDelete
  9. edi gardner20 January 2009 at 14:00

    I am not familiar with her work. I love the subject so thank you. Have you read Emile?

    ReplyDelete
  10. Lola Starr20 January 2009 at 14:11

    I had no idea she'd written a children's book either. This is amazing, I'm adding it to my (long) list!

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  11. A Cuban In London20 January 2009 at 14:59

    Hello, edi, no, I haven't. Thanks for your comment.

    Hi, karma, please do, you won't regret it. Thanks.

    Greetings from London.

    ReplyDelete
  12. lejardengirl20 January 2009 at 16:12

    sounds amazing...a great gift to myself and my two sisters with small children...thanks..good day

    ReplyDelete
  13. A Cuban In London20 January 2009 at 16:19

    Thanks, lejarden, for your kind comment.

    Greetings from London.

    ReplyDelete
  14. $@®@20 January 2009 at 18:32

    Thanks for your visit and comment. I agree with you, it's a great day, it's time for change. And I'm very pleased to know about your page and read about Morrison, one of my favourite writers. Thanks for the information, I think I'll follow your blog. And you are in London...I miss London so much...

    ReplyDelete
  15. Paro20 January 2009 at 19:57

    I love the idea! Might even be good for one of my classes. Thanks. =)

    ReplyDelete
  16. A Cuban In London20 January 2009 at 21:53

    Thank you both for your kind comments.

    Greetings from London.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Salva21 January 2009 at 02:17

    per te che apprezzi la buona musica :)

    Paolo Conte: il maestro del Jazz all'italiana.

    http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUIeTJ3h_L0&feature=related

    enjoy ;)

    Saluti da Colonia,
    Salva

    ReplyDelete
  18. chelsea21 January 2009 at 03:00

    I will have to look into this! Morrison is a brilliant writer and I am a fan of children's literature. How have I not heard of this before? Thanks for posting. Also, thanks for the stopping by my blog. Hi from the U.S. west coast!

    ReplyDelete
  19. A Cuban In London21 January 2009 at 09:41

    Muchas gracias, salva, me dirijo hacia youtube en un santiamen.

    Chelsea, you're more than welcome. Thanks for popping by.

    Greetings from London.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Polly21 January 2009 at 11:53

    Thanks for this post! I love Toni Morrison's novels and I love books for children. My latest discovery is wonderfully illustrated Neil Gaiman's The Wolves in the Walls. I will definitely check out The Big Box.

    Thank you for visiting my blog!

    Greetings from Bloomsbury - Polly

    ReplyDelete
  21. A Cuban In London21 January 2009 at 12:39

    Hi, Polly, thanks for your kind comment.

    Greetings from London.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Sarah Laurence21 January 2009 at 15:31

    Toni Morrison is one of my favorite authors. She writes so well about the bond between mothers and children. I had no idea she’d written a children’s book. Your synopsis is intriguing. I’ll have to check out this book.

    I’m thinking of writing my next novel for young adults so that I could involve my daughter more. Creativity is a wonderful gift to share with children.

    Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  23. A Cuban In London21 January 2009 at 22:16

    Thanks, Sarah, I strongly recommend this book.

    Greetings from London.

    ReplyDelete
  24. GeNeRaCiOn AsErE22 January 2009 at 15:40

    A Toni, le agrdezco muchisimo, un arte ecuánime para contar historias y redoblar su trascendencia en nosotros mediante el significado profundo de sus palabras.
    Alguien expecional, fuera de ligas...escapAAA!
    ;)_

    ReplyDelete
  25. bobbie22 January 2009 at 15:53

    I'm going to read this one as soon as I can get my hands on it.

    ReplyDelete
  26. A Cuban In London22 January 2009 at 20:27

    Gracias, asere, thanks, bobbi.

    Greetings from London.

    ReplyDelete
  27. ceecee23 January 2009 at 18:18

    I use to be quite a collector of children's books but have gotten away from it over the years. This post has reminded me of the joy I got from reading them as an adult. I think I'll pay a visit to the bookstore and see what I've been missing. Thank you so much for your kind words and your visit this morning. It's nice to finally meet you! I've often made note of your name on various comment pages but had yet to visit you. Thank you so much for the introdution to your world here!
    Catherine

    ReplyDelete
  28. A Cuban In London24 January 2009 at 16:01

    Thanks, catherine, for your visit.

    Greetings from London.

    ReplyDelete

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