---
product_id: 10787226
title: "Tar Baby: A Novel (Vintage International)"
price: "$48"
currency: NZD
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 9
url: https://www.desertcart.nz/products/10787226-tar-baby-a-novel-vintage-international
store_origin: NZ
region: New Zealand
---

# Tar Baby: A Novel (Vintage International)

**Price:** $48
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- **What is this?** Tar Baby: A Novel (Vintage International)
- **How much does it cost?** $48 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.nz](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/10787226-tar-baby-a-novel-vintage-international)

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- Customers looking for quality international products

## Why This Product

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## Description

desertcart.com: Tar Baby: A Novel (Vintage International): 9781400033447: Morrison, Toni, Bonét, Sasha: Books

Review: A Great Novel by A Great Author, Although Not A Fun Reading Experience - This is a great novel by a Noble Prize Winning Author. It is not necessarily a simple story. It is a romance novel, a romance between two very different individuals. But, as with other Toni Morrison novels, much, much more than that. It is often complicated, and full to overflowing with symbolism. The novel required my full attention all of the time. I recognize the greatness of the writing, but did not always enjoy it. I have been reading Toni Morrison novels in the order of publication. Hence this is my fourth Toni Morrison novel. I cannot say that I have a favorite. There are times I am completely enthralled with each of them. There are times I shutter with each of them. This is serious intellectual literature. Toni Morrison addresses many issues including race issues, domestic violence and child abuse. The intelligence level is very high. This is great writing, not fun writing. With every Toni Morrison novel that I have thus far read, I have purchased the accompanying audiobook. Every one has been superb. Until now my favorite audiobook was “The Bluest Eye” narrated by the author. I absolutely loved hearing the author reading to me, her own writing, in the manner she wanted it read. This audiobook is also really excellent. The performance, by Desiree Coleman, is extraordinary. In summary I am overwhelmed by both the writing of Toni Morrison generally and this novel in particular. The writing is intricate and requires my full attention. It is not always fun. Another review wrote that Toni Morrison is in a league of her own. I completely agree. Thank You for taking the time to read this review.
Review: A poignant and contemporary struggle - Morrison is such a masterful author. Her novels always have a force behind it that draws the reader in and makes sure that you understand the various points of view. We first see Valerian's point of view, and we agree with him. Then we see Margaret's point of view and we agree with her also, although Valerian and Margaret are arguing with each other. This is how Morrison brings a story to life, using recursive narration to move forward and back in time regardless of the time period that the novel is currently in. One minute we are looking at Valerian and his past, the next we are looking at Margaret until it catches up to the present storyline and then advances further, which allows us to understand how and why each character acts the way that they do. Simply masterful. What is even more masterful is Morrison's ability to articulate the struggle between races, but more importantly the struggle that black people go through. Should one embrace their past and their culture as Son does, even though it means living in squalor and primitive ways? Or should one educate themselves and try to make their lives better as Jadine does? The struggle is huge, and this is what adds the powerful flavor to the story. Ultimately, it is the side of Jadine that wins over, I believe, the side that no longer blames the white man and "his" culture, but rather embraces her culture and attempts to further herself, as a black woman, rather than let the past weigh her down and prevent her from bettering herself. A poignant novel, of which I would expect nothing less from Morrison. A definite recommend, not only the book but any of her books. 5 stars.

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Best Sellers Rank | #21,896 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #185 in Contemporary Literature & Fiction #429 in Classic Literature & Fiction #1,222 in Literary Fiction (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (1,141) |
| Dimensions  | 5.2 x 0.73 x 8 inches |
| Edition  | Reprint |
| ISBN-10  | 1400033446 |
| ISBN-13  | 978-1400033447 |
| Item Weight  | 10.4 ounces |
| Language  | English |
| Print length  | 336 pages |
| Publication date  | June 8, 2004 |
| Publisher  | Vintage |

## Images

![Tar Baby: A Novel (Vintage International) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71frYlsB+kL.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Great Novel by A Great Author, Although Not A Fun Reading Experience
*by F***Y on August 2, 2022*

This is a great novel by a Noble Prize Winning Author. It is not necessarily a simple story. It is a romance novel, a romance between two very different individuals. But, as with other Toni Morrison novels, much, much more than that. It is often complicated, and full to overflowing with symbolism. The novel required my full attention all of the time. I recognize the greatness of the writing, but did not always enjoy it. I have been reading Toni Morrison novels in the order of publication. Hence this is my fourth Toni Morrison novel. I cannot say that I have a favorite. There are times I am completely enthralled with each of them. There are times I shutter with each of them. This is serious intellectual literature. Toni Morrison addresses many issues including race issues, domestic violence and child abuse. The intelligence level is very high. This is great writing, not fun writing. With every Toni Morrison novel that I have thus far read, I have purchased the accompanying audiobook. Every one has been superb. Until now my favorite audiobook was “The Bluest Eye” narrated by the author. I absolutely loved hearing the author reading to me, her own writing, in the manner she wanted it read. This audiobook is also really excellent. The performance, by Desiree Coleman, is extraordinary. In summary I am overwhelmed by both the writing of Toni Morrison generally and this novel in particular. The writing is intricate and requires my full attention. It is not always fun. Another review wrote that Toni Morrison is in a league of her own. I completely agree. Thank You for taking the time to read this review.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A poignant and contemporary struggle
*by B***N on April 11, 2006*

Morrison is such a masterful author. Her novels always have a force behind it that draws the reader in and makes sure that you understand the various points of view. We first see Valerian's point of view, and we agree with him. Then we see Margaret's point of view and we agree with her also, although Valerian and Margaret are arguing with each other. This is how Morrison brings a story to life, using recursive narration to move forward and back in time regardless of the time period that the novel is currently in. One minute we are looking at Valerian and his past, the next we are looking at Margaret until it catches up to the present storyline and then advances further, which allows us to understand how and why each character acts the way that they do. Simply masterful. What is even more masterful is Morrison's ability to articulate the struggle between races, but more importantly the struggle that black people go through. Should one embrace their past and their culture as Son does, even though it means living in squalor and primitive ways? Or should one educate themselves and try to make their lives better as Jadine does? The struggle is huge, and this is what adds the powerful flavor to the story. Ultimately, it is the side of Jadine that wins over, I believe, the side that no longer blames the white man and "his" culture, but rather embraces her culture and attempts to further herself, as a black woman, rather than let the past weigh her down and prevent her from bettering herself. A poignant novel, of which I would expect nothing less from Morrison. A definite recommend, not only the book but any of her books. 5 stars.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Poor cover condition
*by M***S on January 9, 2026*

Amazing novel but it arrived with some kind of crusty residue on the cover, like someone handled it with greasy fingers

## Frequently Bought Together

- Tar Baby (Vintage International)
- The Bluest Eye [Paperback] Morrison, Toni
- Song of Solomon

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*Product available on Desertcart New Zealand*
*Store origin: NZ*
*Last updated: 2026-02-09*