A Burst of Light

Rating:
Summary: An important personal and political testament
Review: Audre Lorde, a prolific writer of both poetry and prose, is regarded by many (myself included) as a major figure in both African-American and lesbian literature. "A Burst of Light" is one of her important prose works. The book contains an interview, three short essays, and a lengthy collection of excerpts from the journal she kept during her battle against cancer.

In the book, Lorde addresses many of the themes which she has explored in past works: racism, lesbian culture, political activism, and more. The only sour note is the interview, "Sadomasochism: Not About Condemnation," in which Lorde bitterly critiques a particular sexual subculture within the lesbian community. Lorde's patronizing tone reminded me of the attitude that anti-gay heterosexuals often adopt when talking about the lesbian community! And lines like "Liberalism allows pornography and has allowed wife beating as First Amendment rights" do not help Lorde's credibility.

But if you skip the interview, you will find the rest of the book to be both politically incisive and often very moving. I particularly enjoyed the essay "Turning the Beat Around: Lesbian Parenting 1986," in which Lorde, a Black lesbian who co-parented a daughter and a son with her white woman lover, reflects on the joy and challenge of parenting.

And the excerpts from her journal are a beautiful testament to Lorde's own courage in her fight against cancer. The excerpts record her travels to Berlin, Germany; Melbourne, Australia; and other places as she struggled to maintain her physical health while continuing her work as a cultural activist.

In one of her journal excerpts, Lorde writes, "Survival isn't some theory operating in a vacuum. It's a matter of my everyday life and making decisions." Very true. And "A Burst of Light" is a vibrant celebration of survival.