4 novels by Black authors that evoke the spirit of legendary writer Toni Morrison

4 novels by Black authors that evoke the spirit of legendary writer Toni Morrison

The Next Chapter columnist Donna Bailey Nurse, a Toronto-based writer and literary critic, says the work of the late American novelist Toni Morrison still resonates widely today — especially with other Black women writers trying to explore similar ground she tread in her work.

Nurse, who had the chance to interview Morrison about her novel Paradise many years ago, says reading Morrison's writing allowed her to better understand Black history — and herself.

To pay tribute to the legendary writer, Nurse is producing a celebration of Morrison's legacy as part of the annual Luminato arts festival. The two-part event takes place on June 17 and 18 at Toronto's Winter Garden Theatre and features a lineup of acclaimed Canadian and international Black women writers, all of whom cite Morrison as an inspiration.

Nurse spoke with Shelagh Rogers about the influence of Morrison's work in books by four Canadian authors who will be appearing at the Luminato event.

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