LLWRC 745 - Contemporary Masters of Literature: Jesmyn Ward

In anticipation of Jesmyn Ward's visit to the Tanner Humanities Center in October, we'll explore three of her wonderful novels: Salvage the Bones; Sing, Unburied, Sing; and Let Us Descend. Ward's work explores African-American history, family relations, love, courage, and survival in difficult circumstances. Her combination of sophisticated writing and compelling storytelling have made her popular with readers and critics alike, and earned her comparisons to William Faulkner and Toni Morrison. Among many prizes and awards, she has won a MacArthur Genius Grant, a Library of Congress Prize, and two National Book Awards. Ward's books reward a careful reread so whether you're coming to her for the first, second, or tenth time, this course is for you. Please read each novel before the class.