Worrying the Line

The technique of "worrying the line," used by blues musicians to enhance their songs, is explored in relation to the writing of African American women in the twentieth century. Cheryl A. Wall illustrates how these authors employ similar methods to disrupt and enrich narrative forms, impacting both African American and broader American literary traditions. Through this lens, the book highlights the innovative contributions of these writers and their ability to emphasize, clarify, and challenge conventional storytelling.