Meridian (1976) by Alice Walker is a novel centered on Meridian Hill, a young Black woman deeply involved in the civil rights movement during the late 1960s and 1970s. Unlike many works focused on political events, Meridian explores the psychological and emotional toll of activism. After leaving a radical group for refusing to kill, Meridian returns to her roots in the South, dedicating herself to grassroots organizing despite suffering from a mysterious illness. The story intertwines her complex relationships—especially with Truman Held, a former activist torn between Meridian and another woman—and reflects on the personal costs and evolving nature of the movement. Ultimately, Meridian emerges as a symbol of perseverance and self-liberation, advocating for change while confronting the movement’s fractured legacy.
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