E(sther) M(asserman) Broner Criticism
E. M. Broner, an influential American writer, is celebrated for her innovative contributions to literature through novels, short stories, plays, and editorial work, often focusing on themes from Jewish and feminist perspectives. Her work is characterized by stylistic experimentation and a distinctive narrative voice. In Journal/Nocturnal, Broner employs a dual-column format, a bold structural choice that highlights both personal and collective struggles, as noted by Elizabeth Dalton. Despite its ambition, James R. Frakes has expressed concerns about this format potentially overshadowing her storytelling strengths. Additionally, Adele Z. Silver acknowledges the satirical potential of Broner's characters in this collection but warns of the risk posed by familiar narrative tropes.
Broner's A Weave of Women is another example of her capacity to innovate, described by John Leonard as an ambitious narrative that captures the essence of female consciousness and community through its ceremonial style. This novel is set against the mystical backdrop of Jerusalem and explores themes of feminist resistance to religious and political oppression, a point emphasized by Sheila Schwartz and Nancy Lynn Schwartz. However, Jane Larkin Crain critiques it for potentially trivializing important societal issues and religious contexts.
Broner’s work often explores complex themes such as female identity and generational conflict, as seen in Her Mothers, where, according to Leah Napolin, the protagonist’s journey is both a personal and historical reconciliation. Through her innovative narrative techniques and profound thematic explorations, E. M. Broner remains a significant figure in contemporary literature.
Contents
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Density Clarified: 'Journall Nocturnal'
(summary)
In the following essay, James R. Frakes critiques E. M. Broner's "Journal/Nocturnal" for its innovative dual-column format and thematic ambition, while expressing concern over its potential to distract from Broner's distinctive literary strengths evidenced in her more traditional storytelling.
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Parched Souls and Full Hearts
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In the following essay, Adele Z. Silver examines E. M. Broner's collection "Journal/Nocturnal and Seven Stories," highlighting the satirical potential of the title story's characters and themes, praising Broner's stylistic flair and character depth, but cautioning against well-worn narrative tropes that risk stifling her unique voice.
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Books in Review: 'Journal/Nocturnal and Seven Stories'
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In the following essay, Elizabeth Dalton contends that E. M. Broner's title story "Journal/Nocturnal" effectively uses formal and literary devices to convey deeper emotional and political themes, transforming personal turmoil into a reflection of the wider societal tensions and conflicts of its time.
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Demons Tweaking Her Funny Bone
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In the following essay, Leah Napolin analyzes E. M. Broner's Her Mothers, highlighting its exploration of female identity and generational conflict through the character of Beatrix Palmer, whose journey involves a reexamination of historical female figures and culminates in a poignant familial reconciliation.
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Books of the Times: 'A Weave of Women'
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In the following essay, John Leonard praises E. M. Broner's "A Weave of Women" as an ambitious and unique narrative that embodies the rhythms of female consciousness, emphasizing its ceremonial and communal aspects, while noting the novel's deep connection to the geography and mysticism of Jerusalem.
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Three Novels: 'A Weave of Women'
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In the following essay, Jane Larkin Crain criticizes E. M. Broner's novel "A Weave of Women," arguing that its portrayal of women's oppression within Jewish traditions and its indulgence in contemporary sexual politics render it a superficial narrative that trivializes both religion and broader societal issues.
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The House of Women
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In the following essay, Sheila Schwartz and Nancy Lynn Schwartz explore A Weave of Women as a groundbreaking novel that intertwines the personal stories of women within a tapestry of feminist resistance against political and religious sexism, highlighting its significance as a contemporary epic woven with Jewish historical themes.