Third World Press

September 2003 marked the 50th anniversary of this first and only published novel from esteemed poet Gwendolyn Brooks. Initially entitled \"American Family Brown\", the book that would eventually come to symbolize some of Brooks\' most provocative writing was introduced to the reading public with little fanfare. The success of other highly anticipated commentaries on black life at the time prevented the book from getting the acclaim it so richly deserved, given the proven talent of the writer. Recent treatments by dedicated Brooks scholars, however, have engendered renewed interest in this engrossing, well-written tale of Maud Martha, a spirited and idealistic black woman. Brooks\' finely crafted story reveals the effects of global and local events on the black family and community through her protagonist, Maud Martha. In Maud Martha, a novel that captures the essence of black life, Gwendolyn Brooks recognizes the beauty and strength that lie within each of us.