Hi! I want to attempt to read some fiction to better understand the radical ideas that have been expressed in American Literature as well as to hear from some underrepresented voices. I want to be cautious about giving my time to authors that reinforce values of patriarchy, sexism, racism, or republic of America values.
I want to point you to an example of what didn’t work for me. I just finished reading the Adventurous of Tom Sawyer, and I felt Mark Twain might have been too apologetic for my taste and too nostalgic about a time period when slavery existed. I don’t want to waste my time on these kinds of books. I’m looking for books that have a stronger voice, reflection, or opinion when it comes to anti-racism or anti-patriarchy.
Are there any web sites or resources that point out “radical fiction” titles that would be good for me to read? I know there has got to be a syllabus for a class out there or a review publication or web site that would serve as a starting point for me to pick out my books. Thanks in advance for your help!
Radical Fiction
I'm taking a stab at this, despite being very green at suggesting fiction :)
One particular book I personally can recommend is "Daughter of Earth" by Agnes Smedley: Smedley talks a lot about what it was like to grow up in poverty right before the turn of the century, as a feminist, and through some major political struggles.
Second, Richard Wright's The Outsider is also an often overlooked piece that explores race and radical politics.
I would also start looking at the work that particular presses publish that you know have a more radical view, for example:
PM Press
AK Press
Feminist Press
South End Press
etc.
(you can order from them, or you can use their websites to discover books and then grab a copy from your library!)
Hopefully others will have suggestions as well!