Customer Reviews

Shy Girl: A Novel

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

While there's no doubt that Shy Girl is well-written and, at times, compelling, ultimately I was disappointed. I found the character of Alta an annoying caricature of an SF butch, and the gratuitous sex scenes and references to the dyke S/M scene distracting and contrived. I do think the portrait sketched of Shy is a profound one, though, and I also liked the way Stark conveyed the horrors of the Holocaust, relaying emotion without being either cliched or overly Spielberg-esque; I wish she'd started with the exploration of this theme earlier in the novel, along with gradually disclosing more information about Alta's mother. This book has a lot of potential, but I felt that its zenith was never reached, as is the case with too much contemporary lesbian fiction.

Elizabeth Stark's novel is a fast read that is compelling and beautifully written. Hang onto the mystery -- and see how much we are alike -- and how our differences still are more accentuated and divisive than honored! The context of this novel is a MUST for the message. The author pulls the reader in -- and holds on! If you can't read this -- ask yourself why not and then finish it for the answer! Most of all, don't read the reviews (like the ones printed above!) that give the mystery away. You'll love it anyway, but will miss the ironic twist that Stark so eloquently delivers.

Stark's first novel is an astonishing story of the power of secrets and things left unsaid. Sasha ("Shy") left abruptly years ago, and Alta still hasn't gotten over her. When Shy's mother has a stroke, Shy is forced to come back. The out lesbian Alta and the pregnant Shy struggle to reconnect and together they face the things they left unsaid between them, as well as the secrets harbored in Shy's family. After Shy's mother dies, Shy discovers her true heritage and finds herself finally understanding her mother. By being witness to this, Alta connects to aspects of herself and her relationships (lovers, her mother, her friends). The story is beautifully rendered, and reminded me of Allison Green's "Half-moon Scar" and Aryeh Lev Stollman's "The Far Euphrates". A potent and moving story of surviving the past, and the cost of this to our present and future lives.

I could not put this book down from the moment I started reading it. It is a definate page turner. The characters felt real to me, but somehow I felt I was missing something. I wanted to know more about what they had gone through and what their thoughts were. It left me feeling like I had just skimmed over their lives. The ending was suprising and the story was never dull. It is very well written, thought provoking and very sad in a way. This book is for anyone who has felt out of place or anyone who does not fit "the norm" of today's society. It reminded me of a book I read called Choices, with a different twist. I know that books are about using your imagination, but I didn't want the story to end. I am glad I bought this book.

What an incredible novel! Stark expresses her ideas so eloquently, and the story is fabulous. I don't want to give away anything. So, I'll just reiterate--don't miss this one!

Shy Girl is important, deep and wonderfully readable. I recommend it to all my friends. Once begun, I know no one who has been able to put it down until they finish.

I generally don't read chick books but was interested in this one. I read the first chapter and was impressed by the writing style and kept reading. Unfortunately, it was like eating cotton candy: it tastes good but you are not filled when you finish it. The pleasure in reading the book does not carry to the plot, characters, or message Shy Girl was trying to convey. Erotically, this book rate about 3 stars and those who share the characters lifestyles will enjoy the sensuality. The only drag is that Alta's love for Sasha (Shy Girl) didn't ring true for me. What could have been an excellent story about a gay woman being in love with bisexual or straight friend was overlooked. Unrequitted love of an out lesbian for a girl who might have tried it, liked it, and then lost interest in it, is more of an interesting story and given the resentment that lesbians/gays have for bisexuals or women who are in straight relationships, would have held my interest.

It's hard to beileve this is her first novel! I couldn't put it down. The story is engaging and the prose is sensual. Stark connects themes in a brilliant way, inviting readers of all backgrounds to appreciate the vital messages of this novel. A must read!

This is a book that, even years after first reading it, has stayed with me. I first read Shy Girl about 10 or 11 years ago, yet I still catch myself thinking about it from time to time. It is a very engaging book that just grabs ahold and doesn't let go from start to finish. I haven't read it in a long while, but it's still as clear in my mind as if I just finished it yesterday. I definitely recommend this book.

like i said, everything about this story is so familiar to our own lives, even if they are so different. i can relate to everyone in the story and feel like i've been there. you can't help but understand and feel for the characters. especially alta, whom i have a huge crush on... we've all been young, held secrets, never forgot or understood that first true love, we've all been lost as well... i have read so many books, but this is the one i want to read over and over again and again. the best book in so very long that i have true feelings for.