Liberation Memories

Focusing on the significant yet underappreciated contributions of John Oliver Killens, this work explores his influence on the African American novel from the 1950s onward. As a two-time Pulitzer Prize nominee and a pivotal figure in the Harlem Writers Guild, Killens inspired many with his politically charged narratives. Keith Gilyard offers a fresh perspective by analyzing Killens's novels through the lens of African American rhetorical forms and verbal traditions, aiming to enhance appreciation for this vital literary voice.