A classic that has been in print since its first publication in 1983, Womenfolks is both a personal memoir and a meditation on the often pernicious mythologies of southern cultural history. Shirley Abbott gives us the gritty, independent women of the backwoods, the South’s true heroines, whose hardscrabble world is one of red dirt and hard work—a far cry from the hoopskirts and magnolias of southern lore. As honest, vibrant, and remarkable as the women whose stories illuminate these pages, Womenfolks draws a vivid portrait of a rural culture beset by poverty and sustained by deeply rooted traditions. In her new preface to this edition, Abbott assesses what has changed—and what may never change—about the burdens of southern history and expresses her hope that the better angels of our nature may prevail in our still-new century.
Impossible Women fills a critical gap in queer theory by spotlighting representations of lesbian sexuality in nineteenth- and twentieth-century American literature. Reading through the lens of feminist and psychoanalytic theory, Valerie Rohy considers texts by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Kate Chopin, Henry James, Zora Neale Hurston, Ernest Hemingway, and Elizabeth Bishop.Addressing American ideologies of reproduction and representation, Impossible Women suggests that lesbian figures are made to symbolize both the unrepresentable and the failures of meaning inherent in language. Rohy traces the ways lesbian sexuality—relegated to the domain of the ineffable, yet endlessly subject to inscription—appears in tropes of transference and displacement, the disembodied voice, repetition-compulsion, and the uncanny. Impossible Women also asks what cultural work such figures perform, locating lesbian desire in American literary history and engaging issues of genre and narrative, social formations such as the rhetoric of the "New Woman," and intersections of racism, sexism, and homophobia.
Explore the Rich Tapestry of the Kentucky Mountains with 'The Quare Women' by Lucy S. Furman Embark on a journey into the heart of Appalachia with Lucy S. Furman's evocative novel, 'The Quare Women: A Story of the Kentucky Mountains.' In this captivating tale, readers are transported to the rugged and enchanting landscape of the Kentucky mountains, where the lives of strong-willed women intertwine with the rhythms of nature and the traditions of the past. Experience the Beauty and Resilience of Mountain Life In 'The Quare Women,' Furman skillfully weaves a narrative that celebrates the rich heritage and vibrant culture of the Appalachian region. Through the lives of her characters, she paints a vivid portrait of a community bound together by shared struggles, triumphs, and traditions. Furman's lyrical prose and keen eye for detail bring the beauty and harshness of mountain life to life, immersing readers in a world of rolling hills, dense forests, and winding creeks. From the simple pleasures of gathering herbs and weaving baskets to the challenges of surviving harsh winters and resisting encroaching modernity, every page of 'The Quare Women' is infused with the spirit of Appalachia. Discover the Strength and Spirit of Appalachian Women 'The Quare Women' is more than just a novel; it is a celebration of the indomitable spirit of Appalachian women who defy stereotypes and expectations to forge their own paths in life. From the fierce matriarch who holds her family together through hardship to the young woman who dreams of a brighter future beyond the mountains, Furman's characters are a testament to the resilience, courage, and compassion of the women who call Appalachia home. With its vivid characters, lush setting, and timeless themes of love, loss, and redemption, 'The Quare Women' offers readers a window into a world that is both familiar and exotic. Whether you're a fan of historical fiction, Appalachian literature, or simply love a good story, Furman's novel is sure to captivate and inspire. Why 'The Quare Women' Is a Must-Read for Fans of Appalachian Literature: Authentic Characters: Follow the lives of strong, resilient women as they navigate the challenges and joys of mountain life. Beautiful Setting: Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the Kentucky mountains, brought to life through Furman's vivid descriptions and lyrical prose. Timeless Themes: Explore universal themes of family, community, and the human spirit that resonate across generations and cultures. Perfect Gift: Share the beauty and richness of Appalachian culture with friends and family by gifting them a copy of 'The Quare Women.' It's the perfect choice for anyone who loves a heartfelt story set against a backdrop of natural beauty and tradition.Don't miss your chance to experience the magic of the Kentucky mountains with 'The Quare Women' by Lucy S. Furman. Grab your copy today and prepare to be transported to a world of rugged beauty, timeless traditions, and the resilient spirit of the Appalachian people.
Never before has a book of southern history so successfully integrated the experiences of white and non-white women. Discrediting the myth of the Southern belle, the book brings to light the lives of Cherokee women, Appalachian "coal daughters", and Jewish women in the South. The essays--all but one published here for the first time--fill crucial gaps in southern history and women's history.
