In Granny Midwives and Black Women Writers , Valerie Lee examines the lives of real granny midwives and other healers through the use of rich ethnographic research, documentation, and oral narratives. Then through a process called reading double-dutch, Lees seeks to understand the dynamics of oral autobiographies transformed into narrative myth. To do this she analyzes the real stories in tandem with their fictional counterparts in works by Morrison, Naylor, Walker, Bambara, and others.

 

The Prentice Hall Anthology of African American Women's Literature is the first comprehensive anthology of African American women's writings that covers all historical periods, from the 18th century up through the early years of the 21st century; and all genres: from poems, essays, journal entries, and short stories to novels and black feminist critic.

Commentary:

Modern Fiction Studies: Summer 1999 "[This book] is a fascinating look at the practice of midwifery both as a medical profession and as an "evolving cultural icon" in the literature of African American women."

Emerge Magazine: "Lee...has done her homework, and many portions of her book are quite powerful."

Vibe: "Lee's analysis is mindful, effective, even nurturing. All's we have to do is lean in close and listen."

NWSA Journal: "...high quality tools of transformation. ...compel readers to let the transformation of silence begin."

Journal of Women's History:"...offers fresh insight into the rich cultural and intellectual heritage of African-American women."

Fawcett Library Newsletter - No.30 June 1997: "This is a highly readable book which stresses the calling which these women experienced to serve poor women, both black and white. Their moral power which is portrayed in fiction is set alongside a fascinating interview with one of the last remaining Grannies in the final chapter."