Invisibility Blues

Library Journal

In these 24 essays, written from 1972 to 1990, the author aims to ``comprehend the high visibility '' of black women in American culture ``together with their almost total lack of voice . '' This perspective necessarily gives her a different viewpoint than that of white middle-class feminists. Many of the essays reflect ideas first developed in her previous work, Black Macho and the Myth of the Superwoman ( LJ 3/1/79), which is being republished in tandem with this new book. Wallace combines the techniques of autobiography and literary criticism with allusions to pop culture and the women of her acquaintance (such as her artist mother, Faith Ringgold) to create a rich, impassioned social commentary. A valuable work for both public and academic collections.-- Janice Braun, Medical Historical Lib . , Yale Univ.