Response To Alice Walcker

This essay engenders passionate, often conflicting, opinions. Some praise it as a long-overdue celebration of female sexuality; others are vehemently opposed to its basic tenants. Even some readers predisposed toward Alice Walker's views acknowledge that the explicit sexual detail in the novel may undermine its own message.

Literary merit, too, sparks debate. Lauded by many as brilliant, original writing, BY THE LIGHT OF MY FATHER'S SMILE has also been criticized for flat characterization and confusing jumps in perspective. Certainly, the throbbing talents of its Pulitzer Prize-winning author are not being called seriously into question. Yet, the threads of this ...