SOURCE: A review of Dessa Rose, in Black American Literature Forum, Vol. 20, No. 3, Fall, 1986, pp. 335-40.

In the following review, Davenport examines how Dessa Rose "fits into, yet subtly alters, several Afro-American literary traditions."

Recently there have been panels, papers, anthologies, and fights devoted to revising, updating, and enlarging the "canon" of literature. Some professors, most feminist critics, and other enlightened people want to make the literature we read and teach more representative and inclusive of different classes (not just the middle), races (not just white), and at least two sexes. From the Society for the Study of Multi-Ethnic Literature (MELUS) to individual spokespersons, the concern has been growing stronger since the late sixties. Sherley Anne Williams's novel Dessa Rose provides each of us another opportunity to alter that "canon." We need only read and teach the book.

For those of us who are knowledgeable and concerned about...