| Gay and Lesbian Themes in Latin American Writing Contributor(s): Foster, David William (Author) |
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ISBN: 0292776470 ISBN-13: 9780292776470 Publisher: University of Texas Press OUR PRICE: $19.75 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: October 1991 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Literary Criticism | European - Spanish & Portuguese - Literary Criticism | Caribbean & Latin American |
| Dewey: 860.935 |
| LCCN: 90020149 |
| Series: Texas Pan American Series |
| Physical Information: 0.62" H x 6" W x 9" (0.60 lbs) 192 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: A taboo subject in many cultures, homosexuality has been traditionally repressed in Latin America, both as a way of life and as a subject for literature. Yet numerous writers have attempted to break the cultural silence surrounding homosexuality, using various strategies to overtly or covertly discuss lesbian and gay themes. In this study, David William Foster examines more than two dozen texts that deal with gay and lesbian topics, drawing from them significant insights into the relationship between homosexuality and society in different Latin American countries and time periods. Foster's study includes works both sympathetic and antagonistic to homosexuality, showing the range of opinion on this topic. The preponderance of his examples come from Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico, countries with historically active gay communities, although he also includes material on other countries. Noteworthy among the authors covered are Reinaldo Arenas, Adolfo Caminha, Isaac Chocrón, José Donoso, Sylvia Molloy, Alejandra Pizarnik, and Luis Zapata. While not a complete history of lesbian and gay writing in Latin America, this is the first comprehensive review of authors and texts that not only treat homosexual themes differently than do their U.S. counterparts but also raise important questions about personal sexual identity and significant sociocultural/political considerations. |
Contributor Bio(s): Foster, David William: - David William Foster is Regents' Professor of Spanish at Arizona State University. |