Overview
“The volume begins the important work of deconstructing the segregation of literary value in US arts and letters. Imperative reading for all students and scholars of American literature.”—Choice
“Breenan’s transnational collection is an unflinching contribution that urges scholarship to break from neatly demarcated binaries and either-or approaches to multiracial literature.”—Helen Y. Wang, College of William and Mary
Synopsis
This collection presents the first scholarly attempt to map the rapidly emerging field of mixed-race literature, defined as texts written by authors who represent multiple cultural and literary traditions. It also situates these literatures in relation to contemporary fields of literary inquiry.
Booknews
Noting that Jean Toomer, author of the novel , refused to be categorized as either African-American or European-American, Brennan (English, Mission College) argues that mixed-race literature is in need of a critical mapping that takes into account the complexities of identity of people that refuse to accept the "one drop of blood" rule of racial classification. He presents nine essays exploring the works of mixed-race authors and works that address mixed-race concerns from inside and outside the United States, although the focus is on the treatment of race in American culture. Categories of inquiry include visual stereotypes, performance, gender, history, community, and transnational spaces. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)