Sumptuosity: April 2005

New book cover

Woohoo! Lynda and I have been stuck inside on nice sunny days scurrying through the edits & layout of the anthology. Here's the (hopefully) last version of the cover.

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Review of 'Salt Roads', by Nalo Hopkinson

(Click link above to read the entire review by Sean Melican.)

Quote: Because these characters are terribly isolated, spending most of their time in bedrooms, it is difficult to see how Jeanne's life carries particular meaning for the history of the Ginen. That she is an inspiration and aggravation for a French poet isn't enough to justify her placement in this novel, if this novel is about the effect of black women throughout history. However, Ms. Hopkinson is gifted at depicting the subtleties of love. The relationship of Jeanne and Baudelaire, as well as Jeanne and another man who enters quite late in the narrative, is exceptionally well drawn. Though not as relevant to the main thrust of the story, these relationships are nonetheless quite moving and ultimately triumphant.

They have few, if any, limits on sexual expression. What Jeanne does to Charles is graphic and would qualify as extraordinarily kinky to ninety-some percent of the population. I don't have an objection to what they do—and Ms. Hopkinson has such skill that she can eroticize acts I don't normally find appealing—but it does seem remarkable that these are three women who just can't say no to anything, nor ever want to.
End quote.

I think the reviewer missed the boat in this point. I believe Nalo used the explicit sex to show how these women clung to one of the few sources of pleasure or power they could in their situations. We meet women in various points of history, all oppressed to different degrees, and learn their coping mechanisms and methods of self-preservation. Yes, some of the character's choices may be unsettling, but so are their lives as a whol. I interpreted this as Nalo's choice to make the reader think about it.

I recommend the book to any man or woman with an open mind.

This is the most SANE thing they've done.

Go to http://rockthevotebc.ca/, and you'll get a pop-up window for voting for your favourite video. Go to #10, by Stephen St.Laurent. My two friends are in it, and another directed. Nicely done, Steph!!!
I'm so proud of you guys that I'm not even ashamed to admit knowing you. *sniff*

Oh yeah, and vote again on May 17.

What is your seductions style?

Thank god. I needed something to make up for Miss Piggy.

Your Seduction Style: The Coquette

You are a pro at playing the age old game of hard to get.
Your flirting style runs hot and cold, giving just enough to keep them chasing you.
Independent and self-sufficient, you don't need any one person to make you compelte.
And that independence is exactly what makes people pursue you.

What Is Your Seduction Style?

Which personality disorder are you?

You May Be a Bit Histrionic ...

Dramatic and over the top, you crave attention.
And you'll do anything it takes to get noticed.
You love to be seductive, even when it's inappropriate.
If you're ignored, you're easily hurt ... and act out even more!

What Personality Disorder Are You?

Book sale

Woohoo. Went to a book sale today and loaded up:
- a couple Steven King, including Hearts in Atlantis. Haven't read him in years, but since reading On Writing, would like to revisit a few.
-The Life and Teachings of the Masters of the Far East. - 5 book set.
-Women of the Forest - study on the Mundurucu, an Amazonian tribe.
-Book of paintings for my daughter, who wants to be an artist when she grows up (along with a cowgirl, waitress, babysitter and actress.)
-few other brain candy bits.
I'm set for two weeks at least. *grin*