Morrison's beautifully poetic prose follows the complexities of a variety of relationships. From friendships, marriages, families, and neighbours, Morrison interrogates the connections between people, how lives are intertwined, and the dangers of what lurks underneath them. This book also investigates how Black women are viewed within society, how they act as a mother, a friend, a sister, a neighbour, or a lover. All of these titles and relationships to each other and to men. Above all, the friendship and betrayal of Nel and Sula is examined and pulled apart, questioning their roles to one another at different stages of life.