Car Maintenance, Explosives and Love [Paperback]

Susan Hawthorne PhD (Editor), Cathie Dunsford (Editor), Susan Sayer (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1997

This anthology reflects the varied tongues, the inventiveness, and the diversity of lesbian culture and writing.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

American lesbians should all be looking further west and south, if this Australian anthology is any indication of the overall quality of lesbian writing Down Under. The title is drawn from a dramatic monologue by Donna Jackson in which a lesbian mechanic praises cars for their simplicity (compared with the greasy mess of relationships). One of the strengths of this collection is its comprehensiveness; without sacrificing a certain wildness that must have been one of the editorial requirements, it includes works from several genres, and from writers of all backgrounds and ages. The best story may be Susan Sayer's odd family history, "Xanthippe," a cross between the fiction of Angela Carter and Kathryn Davis, with its startling images (her father is described as being "as long-tongued as Granny, and she could lick her own eye") and rude, playful language. Even the less successful pieces here give the sense of being starting points for stronger work rather than dead ends. It's an unusually impressive collection, full of experiment and promise. --Regina Marler

About the Author

Susan Hawthorne et al, Editors

Product Details

• Paperback: 353 pages
• Publisher: Spinifex Press (July 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1875559620
• ISBN-13: 978-1875559626
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,558,215 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars absolutely fabulous, March 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Car Maintenance, Explosives and Love (Paperback)

I must say that this is simply one of the best things I have read all year. Something in it for everyone. I must point out that i found the main attraction to be Susan Sayers absolutley divine piece toward the end of the book. Go look it up for yourself when you read the book.

If you are a clever chops you will know exactly what I mean. If not too bad.

Bye Bye

Marielle.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lesbian Feminist Writing, April 1, 2000

By 

"loll" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Car Maintenance, Explosives and Love (Paperback)

What a terrific collection. Donna Jackson's play car maintenance, explosives and love was one of my favorites. The students also found a lot in this play to challenge contemporary gender stereotypes. I was also fortunate to hear Ursula Dawkins read her piece cycles per second which appealed greatly. Wonderful work! Very engaging! Congratulations