After Identity: Mennonite Writing in North America ed. by Robert Zacharias (review)

The subject of this collection of essays involves issues of identity in the context of creative writing by “Mennonites.” These are mainly the greatly varied descendants of European religious groups who arrived in North America at different times from different places but now encompass converts from elsewhere. Some contributors are literary scholars, others are both writers and literary scholars, and one is a historian. The postmodernist emphasis is apparent in many chapters, not just in the act of denial (including of self and labels of identity) but also in the choice of “theorists” selected to fashion argument.

The collection is divided into two parts. The first examines the ways in which identity has been “framed” as “Mennonite” by literary critics, by authors from Mennonite backgrounds, and even by publishers. Some authors have denied their past or have at least claimed it is insignificant or irrelevant to an understanding of their work. As the lone historian points out, Mennonite writing has occurred in the context of the modernization of many Mennonite worlds. One consequence of this context is a certain love-hate relationship with whatever constitutes the very category “Mennonite.” Is one’s Mennonite past something to be transgressed? Or should it be reconstituted in line with current concerns and fashions? Various contributors raise many of these issues in their own particular ways.

The second part of the volume considers ways in which creative writers and critics could expand their exploration and analysis of Mennonite identity. These include examining areas not previously touched upon, including the emergence of gay culture. While some contributors draw on comparative studies, others find enlightenment in further literary approaches. The past, however, maintains an influence: the rhythm and structure of ancient hymns and the echo of the catechism’s questions provide a counterweight to the present.

While many of the contributors have connections with the prairies and Great Plains, there is not a strong sense of place. As migrants and transmigrants for their faith, Mennonites relate strongly to family and community rather than place, interconnected by genealogy and history. It is perhaps surprising that Mennonite writers of historical fiction are not considered in greater detail. And although one contributor touches on the subject of “play,” the issue of humor is not considered. Literary analysis, like Mennonite identity and the public presentation of self, is a serious business.