From Publishers Weekly
In this companion to Love's Shadow: Writings by Women , editor and poet Sumrall has brought together 63 short stories and poems which address in some way the different stages surrounding the dissolution of relationships. These voices, all of which belong to women, are full of self-doubt, longing, anger, lust and, in many cases, madness. Some women are afraid of intimacy, such as Maureen in Chris Mazza's ``Adrenalin,'' who uses her obsession with photography to push her lover away. Others, like Susan in ``Unlocking the Door'' by Deborah Shouse, were victims of abuse as children, which is the root of their inability to stay in a relationship. Margaret McMullen's heart-wrenching ``Saying Goodbye to Joey'' involves a woman named Cat, who stays by her friend's side as he is dying of AIDS, even though she knows of his affair with her lover, Michael. Although often compelling and well-written, the pacing and sheer volume of this ambitious collection pose problems. The distinct voices tend to blur at times, detracting from the success of each individual piece. This might have been avoided by a shorter, more even selection of poetry and prose. Still, this is a spectacular array of characters that any reader would have a hard time resisting.
Copyright 1994 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
One might assume that reading 63 stories and poems about relationships gone bad would be depressing and repetitive. Not so with this varied collection about the downside of romance. The breakups result from many circumstances--immaturity, boredom, abuse, betrayal, even death. Amid the confusion and heartbreak, the characters emerge smiling grimly and facing a new start. There are no whiners here, just spirited women who have survived a change and grown wiser. The accounts of transition and resilience are reassuring and the deja vu satisfying. The contributing authors speak skillfully from personal experience; the level of writing is consistently high. Sumrall compiled this volume as a companion piece to Love's Shadow: Stories by Women (Crossing Pr., 1993), a darker look at human entanglements. Recommended for adult readers in all libraries.
- Carol A. McAllister, Swem Lib., Coll. of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Va.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
- Carol A. McAllister, Swem Lib., Coll. of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Va.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
