once again, the unbelievable Toni Morrison has shocked me into a reading stupor. every time i start one of her books, i need to suspend all expectations of what i think the story is going to be about or where it will lead and just let Toni show me through it all. i'll get the obvious out of the way - the writing is immaculate. crisp, clear, poignant like the rest of her work. the words are beautiful because they are unquotable, you need the context of the entire story to appreciate what she is telling you and why now and how does it alter the way you see this character or think of this topic? 
on Tar Baby specifically, she tells a love story like no other that i've read. the juxtaposition of culture to wilderness, being a black woman and the intersectionality of that reality, and the importance of living the life you want. these characters are tangible, living and breathing humans. emotions are explored at such a deep level that you can recognize them in yourself. i've said it before and i'll say it again, Toni Morrison holds a mirror to us all, forcing us to see the truth. filled with conversations on abuse, race, femininity, and love - she can do no wrong. i can't believe this is one of her under-appreciated novels, it completely astounded me.