Alice Walker s womanist theory about black feminist identity and practice also contains a critique of white liberal feminism. This is the first in-depth study to examine issues of identity and difference within feminism by drawing on Walker s notion of an essential black feminist consciousness.
Allan defines womanism as a (r)evolutionary aesthetic that seeks to fully realize the feminist goal of resistance to patriarchal domination, demonstrated most powerfully in "The Color Purple." She also recognizes the complexities and ambiguities embedded in the concept, particularly the notion of a...

A sensible, humane, clear, direct voice revealing important strengths (Walker) and weaknesses (Drabble, Emecheta) in these novelists' aesthetics concerning femaleness. -- Choice

In 2002, at the annual Zimbabwe International Book Fair, twelve literary books by African women were included for the first time in the category of "Africa's 100 Best Books of the Twentieth Century." This was an important but belated affirmation of women writers on the continent and a first step toward establishing a recognized canon of African women's literature. The Twelve Best Books by African Women is a collection of critical essays on eleven works of fiction and one play. The titles by African women that were included in the list of "Africa's 100 Best Books of the Twentieth Century" are:...