The Goodness Of St. Rocque And Other Stories - Softcover

Dunbar, Alice

Softcover

ISBN 10: 9374837501 ISBN 13: 9789374837504

Publisher: Double 9 Books, 2025

Synopsis

The goodness of St. Rocque and other stories presents a vivid portrayal of Creole culture through a series of interconnected short stories filled with atmosphere and emotion. The opening narrative follows a young woman facing the anguish of lost love and seeking spiritual comfort through her deep-rooted devotion to St. Rocque, the symbolic guardian of lovers. Her reliance on prayers and rituals reflects a world where faith and folklore coalesce, revealing the enduring human desire for hope and redemption. Across the collection, relationships are tested, emotions turn inward, and the tension between personal will and cultural expectation takes form. The stories draw readers into vibrant scenes of community, highlighting the charm, customs, and struggles of Creole society. Beneath moments of heartbreak and healing lies a subtle critique of social conventions, especially concerning gender roles, love, and moral judgment. The work captures the emotional richness and resilience of individuals as they navigate devotion, belief, and passion within a lush and often unpredictable world.

About this title

About the Author

Alice Dunbar Nelson was an American poet, journalist, educator, and political activist whose work bridged literature, social justice, and cultural advocacy. Born on July 19, 1875, in New Orleans, Louisiana, she belonged to the first generation of African Americans born free in the Southern United States after the Civil War. Her literary voice emerged during a transformative period in American history, and she became a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance, contributing both creative and critical works. Her poetry and prose often explored themes of race, gender, and social inequality, while her journalistic writing addressed pressing political issues of her time. Educated at Straight University and later Cornell University, she was deeply invested in education and activism, championing civil rights, women's suffrage, and anti-lynching campaigns. She was married to poet Paul Laurence Dunbar and later to physician and activist Henry Arthur Callis. Alice Dunbar Nelson's legacy lies in her dynamic role as both a literary artist and a tireless advocate for justice, whose influence helped shape the cultural and political discourse of early 20th-century America.

Edition details

• Publisher: Double 9 Books
• Publication date: 2025
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 9374837501
• ISBN 13: 9789374837504
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 78