James Baldwin's Turkish Decade: Erotics of Exile

"James Baldwin's Turkish Decade: Erotics of Exile" delves into a transformative period in the life of one of the 20th century's most influential writers and social critics, James Baldwin. Published on January 16, 2009, this compelling exploration by Magdalena J. Zaborowska offers an unprecedented look into Baldwin’s “Turkish decade” from 1961 to 1971—a time when Turkey became a haven for Baldwin, influencing his work and perspectives on racial justice, gender equality, and immigrant rights. By recounting Baldwin's experiences in Istanbul, Ankara, and Bodrum, and integrating never-before-seen photographs alongside interviews with Turkish contemporaries, Zaborowska enriches our understanding of how Baldwin redefined his identity and literary voice against the backdrop of American social upheavals. This book is an essential read for those in adult education, providing profound insights into Baldwin’s re-imagination of American identity through the lens of exile and migration. It is particularly relevant for readers interested in the intersections of race, sexuality, and national belonging.