Over on The Millions, Thea Lim takes an analytical look at Junot Díaz and his book, This Is How You Lose Her, shedding some light on the reactions it has inspired, from the accolades and awards, to feminist criticism and the influence of race.
For me, the magic of Junot Díaz is that his stories work on more levels than I can keep track of. The way he writes race and gender is radical, but what he does with words is so enchanting that a reader who doesn’t care about race and gender can still be swept away. Among the great gifts of his work is the common space it opens up . . . But. Could I be irritated that we can’t have the same kind of relaxed conversations in the context of Louise Erdrich, Edwidge Danticat, or even Edward P. Jones, because they don’t make the bros feels as safe as Díaz? Sure. But I’m still wildly grateful for that space that fits both me and the literary bros.
Today, our very own Roxane Gay also discusses the aspect of gender in Díaz’s writing in her essay, “How We All Lose.” If your appetite is sufficiently whetted, you can even refer back to our Sunday Interview with Díaz, and let him speak for himself.
We’re firm believers in the idea that good writing incites a bit of discussion.
