Understanding Gloria Naylor

by Margaret Earley Whitt

Book by Whitt, Margaret Earley

262 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1999

Reviews

[Tim Null · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good resource. Very readable.

[Elaine Mullane || Elaine and the Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I sought out this book when I was working on my MA thesis on Magical Realism in the work of African-American women's writing. I had written about Gloria Naylor numerous times before that, but chose to specifically focus on her novel Mama Day for the purpose of my thesis.

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.

Understanding Gloria Naylor introduces readers to the literal and mythical places Naylor introduces in her novels, as well as the recurring characters we come to love. It demonstrates and describes how her characters transcend the racism and sexism constricting their lives. An excellent companion for educational study or for anyone who loves Naylor as much as I do.