Belles' Letters: Contemporary Fiction by Alabama Women (Paperback)

~ (Editor), Tina N. Jones (Editor) "In her early morning dream, Alva Beth sits in a dark, smoky bar with Bessie Smith, who talks to her about love..." (more)
Key Phrases: little red bird, tree surgeon, Alva Beth, Gary Evans, Julian Carol (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Murder, rape, suicide, poverty, ignorance, Japanese internment during World War II, AIDS, and abuse: the plots in this collection of 27 short stories by contemporary Alabama women are as varied as the landscape. On the lighter side, themes such as coming of age, the supernatural, folklore, and cross-racial friendship are also found here. While this anthology achieves its editors' intent of offering varied interpretations of Southern life from different cultural backgroundsANative American, African American, Scottish, Irish, Japanese, and SpanishAoverall, the greatest impression is that life in the Deep South to be full of pain, suffering, and violence, be it emotional or physical. For Alabama and Southern fiction collections.AJeanette Somers, Birmingham, AL
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

" Wonderful writing from the heart of Dixie." -Fannie Flagg. "Usually with short story collections, if a particular tale doesn't capture your interest, you can simply flip over a few pages. But all of the varied voices these Alabama women writers have created-whether bickering, schening, lamenting, rejoicing, or raging-demand attention..." -- Jennifer Chappell, Southern Living

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Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Livingston Press (AL) (April 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0942979575
• ISBN-13: 978-0942979572
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,291,391 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!, December 3, 1999

By	Susan Reynolds (Tuscaloosa, Alabama USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Belles' Letters: Contemporary Fiction by Alabama Women (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful book. I bought it about two months ago and loved each story. I especially loved Mrs. Hunter's short story. Mrs. Hunter was my 11th grade English teacher. Not only was she the best teacher I ever had, but she is also one of the best story tellers I have ever known. I owe my success in college writing (creative and classroom) to Mrs. Hunter! Buy this book!

5.0 out of 5 stars A collection of stories as refreshing as a mint julep., September 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Belles' Letters: Contemporary Fiction by Alabama Women (Hardcover)

A friend from Alabama sent me this book, knowing how much I love Southern writers. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will pass the word. I foundh stories so intriguing I stayed up late and read every single one. Some are hilarious; others are poignant; all are well-written. I recommend doing as my friend did: Give this book to someone you love!

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and varied collection of short fiction, September 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Belles' Letters: Contemporary Fiction by Alabama Women (Hardcover)

This collection by Alabama women writers shows a wealth of talent. The stories are entertaining and provocative, with a surprise around every corner. Particularly noteworthy are the stories by Robin Allers, Sandra Conroy (wife of Pat), Loretta Cobb, Laura Hunter, Aileen Kilgore Henderson and Patricia Lou Taylor. The book is a companion volume to ALABAMA BOUND, A COLLECTION OF CONTEMPORARY ALABAMA STORIES, also published by Livingston Press, and taken together they prove that Alabama's literary talent is the equal or superior to any other state. Highly recommended!