06/50: Why Don't You Stop Talking by Jackie Kay

[bulliciosa.livejournal.com]

Jackie Kay is easily one of my new favourite writers. Like Sherman Alexie, she is a great storyteller because she SHOWS readers a story and lets them interpret it. This is really refreshing because authors so often get into the habit of wanting to TELL you EVERYTHING -- which isn't nearly as fun, in my opinion.

Anyway, I didn't love "Why Don't You Stop Talking" any more or less than "Trumpet"; they're about tied right now for my affection. "Why Don't You..." is a collection of short stories centering around themes of aging, sexuality, identity and transformation. Some of the stories are very metaphorical and come off to me as surreal, until I stopped being obtuse and understood what Kay was getting at.

What I liked most, I think, were the characters. Like Alexie, Kay creates complex, realistic people instead of caricatures. The reader gets a varied cast of women, but the connecting bond is that they're all going through some sort of change in their lives. Whether it's growing old and facing death, struggling to reconcile the past or finding love and happiness, they're all still strong, confident characters.

I'd strongly recommend this book for mature, female readers. It's a great collection that gives insight to women of all ages.

Comments

[avuxeni.livejournal.com]

I had never heard of this book, but thanks to your recommendation, I just ordered a used copy. I'm looking forward to reading it!

[bulliciosa.livejournal.com]

Yay! My work here is done.

Be sure to post your review here when you finally have the chance to read it. I'm always interested in reading what other people's perspectives on things I've read. Also, definitely be sure to pick-up "Trumpet" (also by Jackie Kay) at some point. I thought it was quite excellent and has been reviewed here a few times already.

[violent-rabbit.livejournal.com]

Definitely looking this up. :D thank you for the rec!