About the book
Inspired by the horrors of the Greensboro Massacre, Cris South penned Clenched Fists, Burning Crosses as part of the noted Feminary collective. The book, a thinly fictionalized representation of her own life and activism, centers on Jessie, a working-class printer whose antiracist and anti-Klan activism come to the attention of Klan members, with harrowing results. Jessie’s story mirrors that of the author’s and offers a vision of what multiple intersectional coalitions of oppressed people look like: lesbian feminists, Black activists, and, perhaps most memorably, a woman who confronts her abuser swinging an axe, Lizzie Borden style, to reclaim her agency.
Although Jessie’s suffering—and the suffering of the women around her—is stark in its realism, the book ends with a celebration of both resistance and love. This is the novel’s distinctive contribution: it refuses abjection and claims the healing power of political resistance and coalition.
Editions of Clenched Fists, Burning Crosses
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781469691145
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469691152
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469691169
- PDF
- ISBN 9781469691176
Read an Excerpt
Inspired by the horrors of the Greensboro Massacre, Cris South penned Clenched Fists, Burning Crosses as part of the noted Feminary collective. The book, a thinly fictionalized representation of her own life and activism, centers on Jessie, a working-class printer whose antiracist and anti-Klan activism come to the attention of Klan members, with harrowing results. Jessie’s story mirrors that of the author’s and offers a vision of what multiple intersectional coalitions of oppressed people look like: lesbian feminists, Black activists, and, perhaps most memorably, a woman who confronts her abuser swinging an axe, Lizzie Borden style, to reclaim her agency.
Although Jessie’s suffering—and the suffering of the women around her—is stark in its realism, the book ends with a celebration of both resistance and love. This is the novel’s distinctive contribution: it refuses abjection and claims the healing power of political resistance and coalition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Clenched Fists, Burning Crosses about?
Inspired by the horrors of the Greensboro Massacre, Cris South penned Clenched Fists, Burning Crosses as part of the noted Feminary collective. The book, a thinly fictionalized representation of her own life and activism, centers on Jessie, a working-class printer whose antiracist and anti-Klan activism come to the attention of Klan members, with harrowing results. Jessie’s story mirrors that of the author’s and offers a vision of what multiple intersectional coalitions of oppressed people look like: lesbian feminists, Black activists, and, perhaps most memorably, a woman who confronts her abuser swinging an axe, Lizzie Borden style, to reclaim her agency.
Although Jessie’s suffering—and the suffering of the women around her—is stark in its realism, the book ends with a celebration of both resistance and love. This is the novel’s distinctive contribution: it refuses abjection and claims the healing power of political resistance and coalition.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Clenched Fists, Burning Crosses?
Fiction > Historical fiction
Where can I read a sample of Clenched Fists, Burning Crosses?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781469691145
How long is Clenched Fists, Burning Crosses and how many pages does it have?
Clenched Fists, Burning Crosses has 244 page(s)
Is Clenched Fists, Burning Crosses part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Radical Souths
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Clenched Fists, Burning Crosses?
Cris South, Jaime Harker
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Clenched Fists, Burning Crosses is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781469691145) and paperback(ISBN 9781469691152) and ebook(ISBN 9781469691169) and pdf(ISBN 9781469691176)
Where can I buy Clenched Fists, Burning Crosses online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Clenched Fists, Burning Crosses from below
Where can I buy Clenched Fists, Burning Crosses?