Although loosely organized, this collection of writings on lesbian
life is striking in its intellectual and experiential diversity.
Jay (English and Women's Studies/Pace Univ.) offers a window into a
wide range of lesbian experiences and, more important, some
analyses not often heard. Essays explore lesbian relationships to
families of origin, sex, gendered roles, parenting, health issues,
midlife, marriage, aging, race, and the ethics of outing. Two
complex and well-argued entries call for more flexible thinking
about butch/femme roles, while a charming and equally convincing
essay by Leslea Newman celebrates her traditional butch/femme
relationship. Marcia Munson brings some much-needed common sense to
the fervor over lesbian safer sex: "Always fasten your seat belt
while driving to or from a sexual encounter," she advises. "You're
far more likely to die in a car crash than from an STD you might
get from a woman." Marny Hall explores the role of the imagination
in lesbian sex lives - and ends up fantasizing about one of the
women she interviewed for the chapter. In "Black Lace Hairbow,"
Greta Gaard articulately reflects on the way getting involved with
a man complicated her femme lesbian identity. Short sidebars
scattered throughout are among the liveliest pieces in the
collection: E.J. Graft's on her commitment ceremony; Amanda
Kovattana's on life as a "lesbian vampire" - a seducer of straight
women; and a piece by novelist Mary Meigs on romance in her old
age. Unfortunately, the schema is haphazard, and it is often
unclear why a particular essay falls under a given theme: Why, for
instance, are articles about lesbian youth, baby boomers, and aging
lumped under the heading "Relating to Others"? The essays
themselves, however, are both entertaining and thoughtful. (Kirkus
Reviews)
Written by lesbians of different ages, races and religions,and
compiled by one of the gay movement's best-known writers and
activists,these original essays give vibrant voice to the diversity
of the lesbian experience. Celebrating the many ways in which the
lesbian experience is unique from all others, many of these pieces
focus on specific lesbian concerns such as sexual practices,
raising children and higher incidence of certain illnesses.Beyond
pointing out these differences, the essays also provide a
comprehensive view of the many phases of lesbian life by covering
diverse topics like body piercing, coming out and work. Short
narratives, To Mother or Not to Mother," Confessions of a Lesbian
Vampire," About Being an Old Lesbian in Love," and more,complement
and enrich the main essays, adding a unique personal tone to the
collection. A mix of the serious and the irreverent, Dyke Life is
an important contribution to gay and lesbian literature.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
