Mythic characters, dark fairy-tale themes, and the harsh realities of race, gender, and class in the French Antilles underpin an earthy and complex story from this former professor of French at Columbia University. It is the story of Victoire, a brilliant chef, loosely based on the author’s own grandmother, who bore her mother at age fourteen and of whom the narrator has only a single sepia-toned photograph.
She writes, “What I am claiming is the legacy of this woman who apparently did not leave any. I want to establish the link between her creativity and mine, to switch from the savors, the colors and the smells of meat and vegetables to those of words.”
In a unique voice Ms. Conde portrays the beauty and ugliness of the
French Caribbean islands and the coarseness inherent in most unequal
power relationships born of colonialism and slavery. The novel is set in
the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Paradoxically, the use of
language is exceptionally fine throughout, both sparkling and even
sumptuous, no matter the subject.
Victoire, My Mother’s Mother. By Maryse Conde; translated by
Richard Philcox; Atria International, $20; 182 pages.
Arts & EntertainmentInternational Ambassador of Hip-Hop, Rennie Harris PuremovementWednesday, 11 January 2012
The preeminent hip-hop dance company in the world, Rennie Harris Puremovement brings pure, contagious stage magic to Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place at 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, February 23-24, 2012.
Win Tickets to this Performance!
Click here for details + Full Story
Arts & EntertainmentWin Tickets to the Rennie Harris Puremovement performanceTuesday, 10 January 2012
For Local Middle School or High School Students Only
Question: Please tell us in 200 words or less why Hip-Hop should be considered an art form. Your essay will be judged by the staff of the Urban News, and featured in the February edition, along with your picture. The... + Full Story
Our TownThe People’s Scholar, Dr. Boyce Watkins, to Keynote Prayer BreakfastWednesday, 11 January 2012
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville & Buncombe County announced that Dr. Boyce Watkins will give the keynote address at the 31st annual Prayer Breakfast honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The breakfast will be the highlight of a series of events from Wednesday,... + Full Story
Our TownGetting to Diversity, Inclusion, and Cultural Competence in Multicultural EnvironmentsWednesday, 11 January 2012
by Don C. Locke
Why “getting to?” Every organization is dynamic in terms of diversity and inclusion. Every organization is in the process of becoming diverse and inclusive. If we really believe in the importance of all people and groups, then every organization has room to... + Full Story
CommunitiesMLK Week Events & CelebrationsWednesday, 11 January 2012
31st Annual Prayer Breakfast - 8:30 a.m.
The Prayer Breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Grand
Ballroom of the historic Grove Park Inn & Resort at 290 Macon
Avenue. Guest speaker Dr. Boyce Watkins will be joined by the Unity
& Fellowship Choir and other distinguished guests.... + Full Story
Mythic characters, dark fairy-tale themes, and the harsh realities of race, gender, and class in the French Antilles underpin an earthy and complex story from this former professor of French at Columbia University. It is the story of Victoire, a brilliant chef, loosely based on the author’s own grandmother, who bore her mother at age fourteen and of whom the narrator has only a single sepia-toned photograph.
