Brer Rabbit Retold

by Jagdish Chitara (Illustrator), Arthur Flowers (Contributor)

The Brer Rabbit stories were originally oral tales told by slaves from the American South. In this powerful rendering for children and adults, writer and griot Arthur Flowers re-tells them as wisdom tales for a contemporary audience, bringing them back to us as one of the sturdy roots of African-American literature. This version also straddles storytelling forms–connecting the spoken and written word in surprising ways. The text is heir to the original oral stories, exquisitely illustrated by Jagdish Chitara, a ritual textile painter from Gujarat. Arthur Flowers then takes his stories back into the realm of the oral, with a musical spoken word performance in collaboration with a group of young Indian musicians. Printed and bound by hand, this limited edition artists’ book includes a music album and short film. This genre defying cross-media project pushes the boundaries of narrative art to a new level of accomplishment. With music cd and download code.

72 pages, Hardcover

Published September 19, 2017

Reviews

[Robbie Ferman · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Author believed he captured the old African American culture but really did them a disservice. The Author spoke to our class and didn't remember almost any details of his own book nor could answer questions students asked about meaning. He wants to make a quick buck off it because Syracuse University students are forced to buy it and read it. He btw is a teacher at Syracuse University. Do not read or buy the book. Huge waste of time.

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my Living Writer's Series class we were told to read this book. The author came to my college and spoke about his book and why he wrote it. Hearing the author built a connection to this book and a deeper meaning to reading a collection of traditional tails. An experience which I am happy I had to opportunity for.

[Eujean2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stories are great. Even better is the included cd where Arthur Flowers tells a few of the stories. They are meant to be heard. And heard with music.