Jewelle Gomez's book is considered a classic in lesbian literature and the nice thing about classics is that they can be discovered by other people long after they are published. Gomez recently announced that she's working on another volume of stories about Gilda, so reviewing the first book seems especially appropriate now. It would be simple to say that this is a vampire novel, but it goes beyond that. During her travels, Gilda witnesses the rise of African American culture, the civil rights movement and feminism. She also deals with sexuality, racism and environmental issues.
Gomez created a different type of vampire, especially for the time when this book was written. Most of these vampires don't kill humans unless forced to do so and the act of taking blood is portrayed as a mutually beneficial exchange. Gilda is taught to look into people's thoughts and find something that is important to them; then she is to leave them with the belief that they can achieve it. Gomez relies on some of the vampire myths, but the purpose of this book isn't to be horror fiction. The motif of the vampire gives her the ability to take her character through time and observe the changes that take place.
Gilda's story is one of being the ultimate "outsider." As a black female lesbian vampire she's about as outside as a character can be. She lives in the times that are examined, but she's also not part of those times. It gives her a unique perspective as she examines humans in their development, especially the areas where they have failed to improve. This is a conflicted character, but coming from four minorities makes this seem natural. What she does do is gain strength over time and that reflects the changes that have occurred in American society.
The most speculative chapter is the last one which takes Gilda into an almost apocalyptic 2050. What is most interesting is that Gomez had to guess twenty years ago where the world would be in approximately sixty years due to environmental degradation. What is sad is that, as the earth has moved closer to that date, her predictions have become more accurate. Gilda ends the book as she started it, being hunted, but she also ends it with hope and love.
The Gilda Stories can appeal to a wide range of readers. The story moves along very smoothly and is very informative. Vampire lovers, feminists, lesbians and African Americans will all find something in this book. That's why it's a classic.
The Gilda Stories
4.5 | 470 ratings
Price: 21.83
Last update: 12-08-2024
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Top reviews from the United States
Sage320
There is a reason this is a classic
Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2012LM
Good story, well told!
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2024Whitley Richardson
A Journey
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2022April Guscott
A great read
Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2022Natasha Green
A timeless love story and black lesbian vampire masterpiece…
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2021Jane
LOVED this book
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2022Kris and Asha
Pros: Easy reading, WLW, POC
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2021Kindle Customer
I've been torn on this book
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2020