‘Liberation: Diaries, Volume Three: 1970-1983′ by Christopher Isherwood
Posted on December 9, 2012 by Tom Eubanks in Bio/Memoir
One can’t really review a diary. The diarist has no control, try as hard as he might, over the narrative arc of his life. One evening might be full of glamorous people and fascinating drama, the following week may be dull and dreary. Words and emotions are deliberately rough and unedited. The best a reviewer can do is point out some of the more notable or juicy passages, so that readers, who may not have the time to read a 688-page-long final installment of a three-volume collection of diaries (with a glossary that runs 135 pages), can get something out of its publication. (more…)
‘First Grass Spring Fire’ by Rae Spoon
Posted on December 9, 2012 by Prathna Lor in Fiction, Reviews
Last month, I got to see Rae Spoon perform at the first ever Queer Pop—an event that showcased queer artists as part of Pop Montreal—an annual not-for-profit music festival since 2002. I huddled inside Le Cagibi situated on the corner of St. Viateur and Parc Avenue in the packed room, escaping that September day’s crispness. Fluffy Souffle, drag queen and MC for the night, had just introduced Rae Spoon; their presence was honest with humble sardonicism. I mention this because their music was like this. Also because in between songs they mentioned they were going to make awkward remarks about things, and they did, but it never felt contrived or forced. It wasn’t the kind of awkwardness that made you want to look away or down at your shoes. It was heartwarming and cute, and indeed, such endearing personality is at the heart of Rae Spoon’s first book, First Grass Spring Fire (Arsenal Pulp Press). (more…)
‘Hellebore & Rue: Tales of Queer Women and Magic’ edited by Joselle Vanderhooft and Catherine Lundoff
Posted on December 9, 2011 by Merry Gangemi in Reviews, Speculative
Short fiction collections and anthologies are so often ignored in favor of novels and novellas, which is too bad in some ways—because one of the very best aspects of a short story collection is the variety and scope of individual work and the luxury of choosing which story to read and in whatever order one cares to follow. A well-crafted short story is as satisfying as a novel without hundreds of pages to plow through. The editors of Hellebore & Rue, Joselle Vanderhooft and Catherine Lundoff, have put together a collection that has a little of something for everyone, and will not disappoint readers who love and appreciate the complexities of fantasy fiction’s many cultural connections and narratives. (more…)
