Containing English translations of 21 critical essays, this volume reveals how contemporary Japanese women writers have been received and read in Japan. Included are the voices of a variety of critics, writers, and scholars--both male and female. The essays are grouped into six sections devoted to such themes as "womanliness and the woman writer" and "women critiquing men." Each section features an editorial introduction. Editor Copeland teaches Japanese literature at Washington U. in St. Louis, Missouri. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)