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Gloria Naylor: A Critical Companion
In each of her five novels, Gloria Naylor invites the reader to join her characters in their journeys to move beyond established boundaries and embrace an increasingly diverse society. With lucid analyses of each work, this Critical Companion helps readers comprehend how Naylor successfully links the trials of her African American characters to the struggles of human beings at variance with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Insights into Naylor's own struggles and successes are provided in a richly drawn biographical chapter, which incorporates fresh materials from a recent interview conducted for this book. Naylor's place within the larger framework of the African American narrative traditions is considered as well.
Beginning with a full chapter on Naylor's debut success The Women of Brewster Place (1982), the literary components of each novel are Linden Hills (1985) Mama Day (1988), Bailey's Cafe (1992), and The Men of Brewster Place (1998). In addition to a comprehensive plot synopsis, character portraits, and thematic discussions given for each, all works are carefully related to their historical contexts. By understanding the extent to which seminal events, such as the Great Migration and the ushering in of the Civil Rights Movement, serve as the background for Naylor's works, readers can better appreciate them. Throughout the text, particularly in the alternate critical readings provided, all terms and concepts are clearly explained for the student and the general reader. A select bibliography cites biographical sources, interviews, reviews, criticism, and related works of interest.
Beginning with a full chapter on Naylor's debut success The Women of Brewster Place (1982), the literary components of each novel are Linden Hills (1985) Mama Day (1988), Bailey's Cafe (1992), and The Men of Brewster Place (1998). In addition to a comprehensive plot synopsis, character portraits, and thematic discussions given for each, all works are carefully related to their historical contexts. By understanding the extent to which seminal events, such as the Great Migration and the ushering in of the Civil Rights Movement, serve as the background for Naylor's works, readers can better appreciate them. Throughout the text, particularly in the alternate critical readings provided, all terms and concepts are clearly explained for the student and the general reader. A select bibliography cites biographical sources, interviews, reviews, criticism, and related works of interest.
200 pages, Hardcover
First published May 30, 2001
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February 13, 2017
I sought out this book when I was working on my Final Year Project on African-American women's writing. The project formed a part of my undergraduate degree in Literature. I should start by saying that I love Naylor's writing and am shocked that she is not more read as a novelist (sadly, she died just last year). Her stories of poverty, isolation and struggle are fascinating to me, and her characters, both male and female, are so vivid and engaging. The rich literary allusions she employs is her work are mesmerizing and I have never failed to be moved by her fiction.
This book focuses on Naylor's first five works of fiction: her incredible debut, The Women of Brewster Place (1982) and, following that, Linden Hills (1985) Mama Day (1988), Bailey's Cafe (1992), and The Men of Brewster Place (1998). The literary components of each novel are examined and there is an excellent analysis of characters as they face struggles related to their race, sex, background etc. In an informed and well-researched biographical chapter, we are provided with insights into Naylor's own struggles and successes as an African-American woman and woman writer. The Great Migration and Civil Rights Movement are discussed, serving as a background for Naylor's work and giving readers an appreciation for the history that is so important to the writer.
This is an excellent companion to and criticism of Naylor's writing. I would recommend this book to anyone conducting a study of Naylor or anyone with an interest in her as a writer.
This book focuses on Naylor's first five works of fiction: her incredible debut, The Women of Brewster Place (1982) and, following that, Linden Hills (1985) Mama Day (1988), Bailey's Cafe (1992), and The Men of Brewster Place (1998). The literary components of each novel are examined and there is an excellent analysis of characters as they face struggles related to their race, sex, background etc. In an informed and well-researched biographical chapter, we are provided with insights into Naylor's own struggles and successes as an African-American woman and woman writer. The Great Migration and Civil Rights Movement are discussed, serving as a background for Naylor's work and giving readers an appreciation for the history that is so important to the writer.
This is an excellent companion to and criticism of Naylor's writing. I would recommend this book to anyone conducting a study of Naylor or anyone with an interest in her as a writer.
Displaying 1 of 1 review