Rilla Askew’s novel,

(2007), follows a collection of short stories,

(1992) and two novels:

(1997) and

(2001). A subsequent novel,

(2013), was followed by a collection of essays,

(2017). Askew’s work to date offers a fictionalized history of Oklahoma, with her settings and characters set in various periods of social and historical conflict. Much of her fiction is set in recognized places, often employing actual historical figures along with her created characters and scenes.

Although Harpsong does not use actual figures, her lead male character, Harlan Singer, may remind readers of Woody Guthrie, an Oklahoma native son who was an impoverished troubadour for much of his life. A

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Citation: Hada, Ken. "Harpsong". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 17 May 2021 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=40536, accessed 24 November 2024.]