book le mariage by dorothy west

le mariage by dorothy west book by dorothy west

dorothy west, a distinguished voice from the harlem renaissance, captivated readers with her insightful explorations of african american life. her narratives often delved into the complexities of race, class, and family within the black elite, offering a unique perspective on societal structures and personal aspirations. while her literary journey spanned decades, her later works, including the novel known internationally as "the wedding," continue to resonate deeply, examining the intricate fabric of community and identity.

le mariage by dorothy west summary

the novel "le mariage," the french title for dorothy wests celebrated work "the wedding," offers a rich tapestry of family history set against the backdrop of the exclusive black elite community on marthas vineyard. the story primarily unfolds on the eve of a significant wedding in 1953, where shelby coles, the daughter of a prominent and affluent black family, is set to marry meade, a white jazz musician. this union, however, becomes a focal point for simmering desires, deep-seated resentments, and the weight of generations of history. the narrative masterfully shifts through time, tracing the coles familys lineage back through their ancestors struggles and triumphs, detailing the sacrifices made to achieve their esteemed social standing. west delicately dissects the intraracial conflicts arising from skin color and class distinctions, portraying a world of doctors, ministers, and college presidents, a segment of the black experience often overlooked. the novel is a profound exploration of love, ambition, and the enduring impact of societal pressures on personal choices and familial bonds, showcasing wests keen observation of human nature.

about the author dorothy west

dorothy west was a pivotal figure in the harlem renaissance, known for her astute portrayals of middle and upper-class african american life. born in boston in 1907, she began writing at a young age and was recognized early for her talent, publishing her first story at fourteen. her career spanned over seven decades, during which she founded literary magazines and contributed significantly to black literature, earning her the distinction of being one of the last surviving writers of her influential generation.

le mariage by dorothy west faq

1. question: is "le mariage" by dorothy west available for in format?

   information regarding direct s for "le mariage" by dorothy west can vary. as an acclaimed novel, it is typically available through legitimate booksellers in various formats, including print and e-book. users seeking a digital copy are encouraged to explore reputable online bookstores or digital library services that offer authorized s to ensure they are accessing a legitimate and high-quality version of the book, respecting copyright laws.

2. question: what are the main themes explored in "le mariage"?

   "le mariage" delves into several profound themes, prominently featuring the complexities of race and class within the african american elite. it explores intricate family dynamics, the impact of social standing on personal relationships, and the intergenerational legacy of struggle and aspiration. the novel also examines the nuances of marriage, societal expectations, and the choices individuals make when navigating love and social pressures, particularly highlighting the experiences of a prominent black family on marthas vineyard.

3. question: who was dorothy west, the author of "le mariage"?

   dorothy west (1907–1998) was an american novelist, short-story writer, and magazine editor, recognized as a significant figure of the harlem renaissance. her works often focused on the aspirations, conflicts, and social lives of middle-class african americans. she was known for her keen social commentary and her ability to capture the intricacies of race, class, and gender in her narratives, with "the living is easy" and "the wedding" being her most notable novels.

4. question: when was "le mariage" by dorothy west originally published?

   the novel known internationally as "the wedding" was originally published in english in 1995. the french edition, titled "le mariage," was released shortly thereafter, with some sources indicating a publication year of 1996 for this translated version. this work represented a significant literary achievement for dorothy west, being her second novel published nearly fifty years after her debut.

5. question: what is the genre and setting of "le mariage"?

   "le mariage" falls under the genres of literary fiction and family saga, with strong elements of social commentary. the novel is set primarily on the picturesque and exclusive island of marthas vineyard, within a community of affluent african americans, particularly focusing on the prominent coles family and their lineage during the mid-20th century. the story intricately weaves together historical context and personal narratives within this unique social milieu.