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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
hilarious, subversive, September 20, 2001
This review is from: Sister Gin (Paperback)
As an undergrad at a major American university which shall remain nameless, I had the misfortune of being trapped in a painfully P.C. course on American women novelists of the 20th century. "Sister Gin" was the token lesbian novel -- and the only truly worthwhile book on the syllabus. Sister Gin has it all: a book-reviewing protagonist who does a scathing critique of Joyce Carol Oates, vigilante justice dealt out by a bunch of old women, a truly subversive intergenerational love affair, and much heavy drinking (along with an amusing explanation of why killing brain cells with alcohol can be a good thing.) Oh, yeah, and a discussion on the semantics of mashed potatoes. What more could you want from a novel?
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A hilarious, cleverly-written southern feminist novel, July 25, 1998
By A Customer
This review is from: Sister Gin (Paperback)
This is one of my favorite books, and for some strange reason I can never find it in the bookstore. I consider myself a discriminating reader, and in my opinion, this book ranks as one of the best I've ever read. I must admit that it's been a few years since I've read this book, so I'm unable to give it a worthy review. June Arnold tells the story of Su, a southern journalist facing a mid life crisis. Among other things, Su is faced with the desire to leave her long-time lover Bettina, while receiving mysterious missives in her locked desk drawer. The book is both feminist fiction and mystery writing. As a woman of color, I was not the slightest bit turned off by this tale of white southern womanhood. It is so deftly and intelligently written, I urge all readers to give it a try. You won't be disappointed. I promise!!!
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Warning: Experimental (but don't let that deter you!), December 3, 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: Sister Gin (Paperback)
Sometimes it's good to be forwarned (the same way I like to know in advance that a film is subtitled.) That said, let me offer a second warning: I *rarely* write these reviews. I'm doing so because I feel compelled to make sure this "lost" classic isn't completely forgotten because it is amazing--as keeper of the southern literary tradition, an examination of alcoholism, a lesbian novel, a look at racial issues, a description of menopause, an inquiry into creativity, a mystery, an homage to older women, and a feminist work. I think the latter is the most interesting, given that Sister Gin was published in 1975, when feminists were torn between self-examination and a united front. (Some would argue they still are). Arnold manages to do both and do so convincingly--even with some humor. So please don't be turned off by the experimental nature of the novel. It's a fun, fun read--very honest and very worthwhile. I'm in my early 30s, and Arnold's work reminded me that I still have plenty to look forward to in life.
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