Godwin, Gail (Vol. 8) - Godwin, Gail 1937–
Godwin, Gail 1937–
An American novelist and short story writer, Godwin focuses on the perception of self as well as of the physical world. Her interest in writing, she says, is precipitated by a need "to expand awareness of the possibilities of experience." Joyce Carol Oates comments on Godwin's work, "in exploring extremities of human behavior … such art saves us from these experiences and is cathartic in the best sense of the term." (See also CLC, Vol. 5, and Contemporary Authors, Vols. 29-32, rev. ed.)
As a novelist whose books tend to pivot on classic feminist issues, Gail Godwin will undoubtedly be shelved as yet another women's writer. But this would be a gross injustice. Godwin's appeal goes far beyond feminism, and the basis for this is her talent. Godwin is an extraordinarily good writer…. "The Odd Woman" could be compared, in sensitivity and brilliance, to the best of Doris Lessing and Margaret Drabble (two writers who...
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