Fanon

A philosopher, psychiatrist, and political activist, Frantz Fanon was a fierce, acute critic of racism and oppression. Born of African descent in Martinique in 1925, Fanon fought in defense of France during World War II but later against France in Algeria's war for independence. His last book, The Wretched of the Earth , published in 1961, inspired leaders of diverse liberation movements: Steve Biko in South Africa, Che Guevara in Latin America, the Black Panthers in the States. Wideman's novel is disguised as the project of a contemporary African American novelist,Thomas, who undertakes writing a life of Fanon. The result is an electrifying mix of perspectives, traveling from Manhattan to Paris to Algeria to Pittsburgh. Part whodunit, part screenplay, part love story, Fanon introduces the French film director Jean-Luc Godard to the ailing Mrs. Wideman in Homewood and chases the meaning of Fanon's legacy through our violent, post-9/11 world, which seems determined to... Psychiatrist And Revolutionary Frantz Fanon (1925-1961) Fought To Free Algeria From French Rule, And Wrote Several Key Texts On Colonialism. Wideman's Fascinating New Novel Weaves Together Fiction, Biography, And Memoir To Evoke The Life And Message Of Frantz Fanon, The Influential Author Of The Wretched Of The Earth. A Philosopher, Psychiatrist, And Political Activist, Fanon Was A Fierce, Acute Critic Of Racism And Oppression. Born Of African Descent In Martinique In 1927, Fanon Fought To Defend France During World War Ii And Then Later Against France In Algeria's War For Independence. The Wretched Of The Earth, Written In 1961, Inspired Leaders Of Liberation Movements From Steve Biko In South Africa To Che Guevera To The Black Panthers In The United States. John Edgar Wideman. Includes Bibliographical References. A fictional portrait based on the life of Frantz Fanon, a philosopher, psychiatrist, political activist, and author of The Wretched of the Earth, chronicles Fanon's life, from his Martinique upbringing through the publication of his influential work and his legacy in a post-9/11 world, as seen through the eyes of the African-American novelist writing his biography. An African-American novelist researches the life of Frantz Fanon while trying to write a biographical novel about his life and dealing with an aging mother and a brother who is incarcerated.