A Multidisciplinary Research Journal - Devanga Arts College

Walker’s concern for spiritual wholeness and cultural connectedness completely
ascended the physical in her fourth novel, The Temple of My Familiar, a story that takes the
reader into a time before the apparition of physical perfection and ownership began to dominate
the mind of humanity. It solidly argues Walker’s belief that the roots of African American
women’s hope for spiritual wholeness lies within the soil of their African origins. But for
Walker, even these origins are not above reproach and evaluation.
In Walker’s fifth novel, Possessing the Secret of Joy, Walker uncovers the mysteries of a
ritualist past that has imposed its presence into a changing world – a world that defines
Clitoridectomy (female circumcision) as sexual blinding, domination and abuse. The novel
brings the life and imagination of Tashi, a character appeared in both The Color Purple and The
Temple of My Familiar, into full view. The chilling reality of oppression and control mandated
by the traditions of female circumcision is further explored by Walker in her documentary film
“Warrior Marks” (1994), directed by the Indian –British filmmaker Pratibha Parmer.
By the Light of My Father’s Smile was published in September of 1998. This novel
describes a family’s move to the remote Sierras of Mexico amid a band of mixed-race blacks and
Indians. It examined the connections between sexuality. The story is a multi-narrated account of
several generations and explores the relationship of father and daughters.
In 2000, The Way Forward is with a Broken Heart, which contains a collection of
autobiographical and fictional stories about the bindings and breakings of relationships with
family, friends, and lovers, was released. Her work, A Long Walk to Freedom was released in the
year 2001. Walker’s daughter, Rebecca Walker has herself written her memoirs in a book called
Black White and Jewish.
Alice Walker has received numerous awards and honours. Her most distinguished award
is the Pulitzer Prize for Literature for The Color Purple. Her other awards include the Litho
Smith Awards, the Rosenthal Award, the O’Henry Award and others. Alice Walker is a
legendary writer and outspoken liberal political activist. She has spoken out for civil rights,
against apartheid movement, against nuclear arms, against the United States’ treatment of Cuba,
and against female genital mutilation. Some of her works have received criticism for the harsh
portrayals of African-American men. She has continued to confront many conflicts facing
African-American lifestyles and has continued to support womanish values.
Works Cited