This groundbreaking collection of in-depth profiles, unique interviews, incisive essays and succinct reviews on such well-known writers as Toni Morrison, Jamaica Kincaid, Andre Alexis, Dionne Brand, Austin Clarke, Edwidge Danticat, Nalo Hopkinson and Lawrence Hill, among many others, constitutes a frank conversation on the significance of race in the work of contemporary black writers. This book is for anyone looking for a way to talk about the often-taboo topic of race, as it appears in novels, movies and plays. Of interest to black Canadian and African-American readers as well as teachers, librarians and book club members, the book provides a vital snapshot of contemporary culture.