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Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches

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Sister Outsider is a collection of essays and speeches by Audre Lorde, a Black lesbian feminist, that covers a range of topics such as feminism, race relations, homophobia, and classism. The writing style is described as thoughtful, intelligent, critical, and outspoken, with Lorde being praised for her ability to communicate important issues clearly. The book offers a historical perspective on feminism and intersectionality, addressing relevant themes that are as important today as they were 40 years ago.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by lyrical prose that balances emotional depth with intellectual analysis.

Plot/Storyline:

The work is a compilation of essays and speeches that tackle themes of intersectionality, feminism, and social justice issues.

Setting:

The setting encompasses the socio-political landscape of the 1970s and 1980s in America, extending to global concerns.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, with some essays dense in thought while others are more straightforward and accessible.
SINCE I’VE RETURNED from Russia a few weeks ago, I’ve been dreaming a lot. At first I dreamt about Moscow every night. Sometimes my lover and I had returned there; sometimes I would be in warmer, fami...

Notes:

Sister Outsider was compiled in 1984 from Audre Lorde's speeches and essays.
The author is a Black lesbian radical feminist, rejecting simple categorization of her identity.
Lorde emphasizes the importance of being a whole human being in her writing.
One powerful essay discusses the transformation of silence into action, highlighting the effects of fear on speech.
Lorde argues that anger is a valid response to racism and should be recognized as a potential force for change.
The book offers an open discussion about the intersection of race and feminism, providing perspective on racial tensions among feminists.
Lorde critiques the division between white feminists and Black feminists, urging for mutual respect and dialogue.
Many readers find the themes in Lorde's essays still relevant today, despite being written over 40 years ago.
Lorde discusses her experiences as a Black lesbian mother, addressing power dynamics in parenting.
The collection includes the well-known essay 'The Master's Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master's House'.
Readers of Sister Outsider describe it as life-changing and a crucial text for understanding intersectional feminism.
The audio narration of the book has received mixed reviews, with some expressing disappointment with the delivery.
Lorde's essays challenge readers to confront their own privilege and the societal structures surrounding them.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include discussions of racism, sexism, homophobia, trauma, and graphic descriptions of anger and personal struggles.

From The Publisher:

"Sister Outsider, a collection of essays and speeches by the pioneering feminist Audre Lorde, is one of my all-time-favorite books. It's always great to have an intersectional tome on hand." -Amanda Gorman

"Sister Outsider's teachings, by one of our most revered elder stateswomen, should be read by everyone." -Essence

Presenting the essential writings of black lesbian poet and feminist writer Audre Lorde, Sister Outsider celebrates an influential voice in twentieth-century literature, with a foreword by Mahogany L. Browne.

A New York Times New & Noteworthy book

In this charged collection of fifteen essays and speeches, Lorde takes on sexism, racism, ageism, homophobia, and class, and propounds social difference as a vehicle for action and change. Her prose is incisive, unflinching, and lyrical, reflecting struggle but ultimately offering messages of hope.

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About the Author:

Audre Lorde (1934-1992) published nine volumes of poetry and five works of prose. She was a recipient of many distinguished honors and awards, including honorary doctorates from Hunter, Oberlin, and Haverford Colleges, and was named New York State Poet (1991-1993).Mahogany…

 
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