Novel Subjects: Authorship as Radical Self-Care in Multiethnic American Narratives

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How does contemporary literature address the power and responsibility of authorship, especially regarding marginalized groups? Leah Milne presents a fresh perspective on multicultural literature by examining scenes of writing in the works of authors from marginalized identities. She posits that these scenes frame authorship as a form of radical self-care, a concept rooted in Audre Lorde's definition of self-care as self-preservation and a political act. The texts discussed challenge the limitations imposed by institutionalized multiculturalism and highlight identities often viewed as vindictive or willful. By analyzing works from authors like Carmen Maria Machado, Louise Erdrich, Ruth Ozeki, and Toni Morrison, Milne connects diverse narratives and explores the trend of portraying writers as characters within multicultural texts. Her study reveals fiction and memoir that embrace unconventional storytelling methods—such as plagiarism, historical revisions, humor, and lies—alongside inauthentic and overlooked subjects. Ultimately, these works strive to expand the boundaries of belonging within ethnic and cultural groups, contributing to ongoing discussions about multicultural literature and self-care.