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Cargando... Maud Martha (1953 original; edición 1992)por Gwendolyn Brooks (Autor)
Información de la obraMaud Martha por Gwendolyn Brooks (1953)
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Inscríbete en LibraryThing para averiguar si este libro te gustará. Actualmente no hay Conversaciones sobre este libro. Maud Martha, first published in 1953, is the only novel by the celebrated poet Gwendolyn Brooks. Like the author, the eponymous protagonist “was born in 1917” and grew up in Chicago. The novel describes her daily experiences as a black woman over two decades, from childhood to marriage and motherhood. And while it is always dangerous to mistake the author for a character in a book, in this case Brooks herself observed (in her 1972 memoir Report from Part One): "Much in the “story” was taken out of my own life, and twisted, highlighted, or dulled, dressed up or down…" The novel highlights the pervasive racism and sexism in American society. It is written in the third person, but often (albeit not always) from the perspective of the protagonist. Through her eyes we cannot but note that even when black and white people nominally “interact”, there is the weight of condescending glances, hurtful comments (whether intended or not), a sense of ‘difference’, even in the most banal of contexts, such as when Santa Claus snubs Maud Martha’s daughter Paulette. Maud Martha is no outspoken hero and generally keeps her views to herself. Yet, the novel brims with subtle, quiet fury and occasional outbursts of joy. In the final pages, we meet a pregnant Maud Martha, accompanied by her daughter Paulette, out to celebrate the end of the Second World War. Despite everything, life is still full of hope. When a poet writes prose, the tritest observation is that the result is “poetic” and “lyrical”. For once, however, such a comment is hardly out of place. This slim novel – perhaps more of a novella – is made up of thirty-four brief chapters capturing specific events, episodes or observations. There are no wasted words and the impressionistic vignettes often surprise the reader with arresting images – dandelions are “yellow jewels for everyday, studding the patched green dress of [the] back yard”, snowflakes are “the very finest bits of white powder coming down with an almost comical little ethereal hauteur, to add themselves to the really important, piled-up masses of their kind”. It is surprising that this novel has never been published in the UK before. Faber & Faber now address this lacuna with their new edition, introduced by Margo Jefferson as part of the “Faber Editions” series. https://endsoftheword.blogspot.com/2022/04/maud-martha-by-gwendolyn-brooks.html I loved this poetic novel from beginning to end. Maud Martha's commentary on life as a black woman in the early 20th c. was acute and straight forward. The vignettes brought tears to my eyes and sadness to my heart. And yes, laughter as well. I loved the vivid descriptions of place tinged with color or lack thereof (grayness). If you are a fan of her poetry or if you've never read anything she's written, I highly recommend her only novel. As much poetry as fiction or prose, this is a tapestry of character and situation, and speaks to the beauty inherent in Brooks' unique way with words. For any writer or reader, it's a quick and worthwhile novel to visit, revel in, and revisit. Highly recommended for a reader who's ready to take their time and enjoy the journey. sin reseñas | añadir una reseña
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A first novel by this world class poet, Maud Martha captures the essence of Black life. Gwendolyn Brooks portrays one woman's quest and love for life despite its difficulties. Whether she confronts teenaged love and marriage or the challenges of womanhood and adulthood survival, we come face to face with Maud Martha--recognizing that her beauty and strength reside deep in every one of us.--Page [4] of cover. No se han encontrado descripciones de biblioteca. |
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Google Books — Cargando... GénerosSistema Decimal Melvil (DDC)813.54Literature English (North America) American fiction 20th Century 1945-1999Clasificación de la Biblioteca del CongresoValoraciónPromedio:
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at age 18, she wants "to caress."
Not sure that she attained both of these in this marriage to her first husband,
his infidelities because she was not "pretty," and their grey apartment...
her early life with a real home - with sweet potato pie -was missed by both her and likely many readers.
She loved the Dandelions, the Snow and saved the Mouse!
The short, short chapters deliver gentle terse descriptions of both people and rooms
as she "kept herself to herself." ( )