The Columbia Guide to Contemporary African American Fiction
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About This Book
In both the literal and metaphorical senses, it seemed as if 1970s America was running out of gas. The decade not only witnessed long lines at gas stations but a citizenry that had grown weary and disillusioned. High unemployment, runaway inflation, and the energy crisis, caused in part by U.S. dependence on Arab oil, characterized an increasingly bleak economic situation. As Edward D. Berkowitz demonstrates, the end of the postwar economic boom, Watergate, and defeat in Vietnam led to an unrave
Our Review
This comprehensive guide offers an essential roadmap through the rich landscape of contemporary African American literature, charting the evolution of Black fiction from the 1970s to the present day. Dickson-Carr masterfully navigates the complex social and political currents that shaped this transformative period, connecting literary innovation directly to the cultural shifts of post-Civil Rights America. The analysis provides crucial context for understanding how authors responded to urban crises, economic pressures, and the ongoing struggle for racial justice, making it an indispensable resource for students and scholars alike.
What distinguishes this work is its ability to balance broad historical perspective with sharp critical insight into individual authors and their signature works. Dickson-Carr doesn't merely catalog important books; he illuminates the intellectual and aesthetic conversations happening across generations of Black writers, from established icons to emerging voices. Readers will come away with a deeper appreciation for how African American fiction has continually reinvented itself while confronting the pressing questions of its time, making this guide a vital companion for anyone seeking to understand the power and purpose of modern Black storytelling.
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