The Drive [Paperback]

Trisha Todd (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1999

In a blend of fiction and autobiography, actress Trisha Todd reveals the secret loves she chased after--and ran from--her whole life. And, for the first time, tells the true story behind her unforgettable performance in the classic lesbian film "Claire of the Moon".

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"I guess I tend to romanticize life," says Todd's narrator (also named Trisha) in this autobiographical, contemporary road novel. Trying to find her life's purpose and escape a broken heart, Trisha embarks on a lonely, soul-searching drive from Oregon to Iowa, where she hopes to rekindle the dying embers of a troubled relationship with Annie, whom Trish feels is "the sun" to her Icarus. Annie had moved to Iowa to reconnect with her family and leave lesbian relationships behind, and the reunion of the lovers is ill-fated and brief. In prose that is at times overabundant with metaphor, Todd uses the drive to Iowa and back as a time to meditate on her own life and loves, further blurring the line between fiction and memoir as she includes her real-life experience acting the title role in the groundbreaking lesbian movie Claire of the Moon. Fans hoping for an intimate behind-the-scenes look will be disappointed: the author only obliquely describes her work in the film. Details about the production are drowned in Todd's self-conscious vagueness: "We made the film far too personal. I lost control of my performance. I was not shaping it, I was living it. I lost a piece of myself, and my performance clearly reflected this." Todd is at her best when describing the physical world and concrete sensations: driving, eating and especially sex. Trisha's account of her second and longer trip to Iowa, and the reconciliation of the two women following Annie's suicide attempt, is abbreviated. Still, this tale is an honest, sensual and heartfelt addition to the road-trip genre, all the more stimulating because the driving force is love, and the person behind the wheel is a woman searching for herself. First serial to Curve; author tour.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 146 pages
• Publisher: Naiad Pr; 1st edition (May 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1562802372
• ISBN-13: 978-1562802370
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #995,461 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Trisha's book is honest, sensitive and soul-searching., June 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Drive (Paperback)

I am a self-proclaimed non-reader. Ironically, I work in a library. So, my standard line is, "I am a perfect candidate to work here because you'll never catch me reading in the stacks." This book is an exception. Trisha's unabashed account of her cathartic journey touched me very deeply. I could hardly believe that I, of all people, had a difficult time putting this book down. It has been said, "the eyes are the windows to the soul." Thank you, Trisha for allowing us to see who you are so clearly through your story. I greatly enjoy watching videos, which is how I perceived "The Drive". If you are ever in the Chicago area, just know you will always be welcome in my home.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Hero's Journey, July 31, 2000

By 

Dr. Darise Error (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Drive (Paperback)

The book is obviously a profoundly personal exploration, and I appreciated the courage of that. BUT the journey - she calls it the 'hero's journey' and 'our shared journey' - is universal, as her verbiage here implies. THE DRIVE is full of images, symbols, snippets of memories, feelings, longings, recriminations, ideas, hopes, insights, etc. that are utterly engaging! That's the goal of many literary endeavors, but the accomplishment of few works. Ms. Todd provides multiple points of access for ANY reader - regardless of ideology - and invites them to free-associate with the images, emotions, and ideas. Through a beautiful kind of strength and vulnerability, Ms. Todd opens herself up, and her ultimate gift to those willing to try to make that 'journey' - the literal and figurative 'DRIVE' - with her is the wonderful opportunity for self-reflection.

This book is also a prime example of a "feminine" writing style. It does not follow 'normal' protocols in terms of Western literary structure and content. THE DRIVE features a non-linear unfolding of the story but with a clear internal logic; deeply intimate explorations in terms of both subject matter and emotional content; conscious usage, deconstruction, and re-construction of symbols; no concrete 'wrapped up in a nice package' conclusion; an investigation into things female (but things that have universal applications), etc. This might be 'off-putting' for some readers, but this story could unfold no other way. Ms. Todd's intuition, her careful craftsmanship, and her chosen structure and style make this story, its insights, and its implications all the more compelling.

An excellent first endeavor, and I can't applaud it loudly enough.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars honest,beatifully written,a painting in words, September 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Drive (Paperback)

what a beautifully written book. at times i cried for you and at times i cheered for you. seems you spoke to a place in my own wounded heart. i have been there and done that. artistically, it takes so much courage to put any kind of art out there. your words painted with such wonderful colors. it felt like i was in that car with you. i am a painter and as such i admire that ability. i hope your path is filled with love and happiness.