Toni Morrison and Motherhood: A Politics of the Heart [Hardcover]

Andrea O'Reilly (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2004

Traces Morrison's theory of African American mothering as it is articulated in her novels, essays, speeches, and interviews.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Mothering is a central issue for feminist theory, and motherhood is also a persistent presence in the work of Toni Morrison. Examining Morrison's novels, essays, speeches, and interviews, Andrea O'Reilly illustrates Morrison builds upon black women's experiences of and perspectives on motherhood to develop a view of black motherhood that is, in terms of both maternal identity and role, radically different than the motherhood practiced and prescribed in the dominant culture. Motherhood, in Morrison's view, is fundamentally and profoundly an act of resistance, essential and integral to black women's fight against racism (and sexism) and their ability to achieve well-being for themselves and their culture. The power of motherhood and the empowerment of mothering are what make possible the better world we seek for ourselves and for our children. This, argues O'Reilly, is Morrison's maternal theory-a politics of the heart. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Andrea O'Reilly is Associate Professor in the School of Women's Studies at York University and President of the Association for Research on Mothering. She is the author and editor of several books on mothering, including (with Sharon Abbey) Mothers and Daughters: Connection, Empowerment, and Transformation and Mothers and Sons: Feminism, Masculinity, and the Struggle to Raise Our Sons. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: State Univ of New York Pr (April 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0791460754
• ISBN-13: 978-0791460757
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.8 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,582,180 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)