The Gilda Stories

The stories are very creative, and the characters are so well described that one can easily FEEL a part of the narrative. I'm glad that i happened upon this book!

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.

I didn’t expect to like a book about vampires but I did. It was not the kind of grotesque story I expected. I did, however, start to lose interest towards the end when the author tried to squeeze in one last social commentary on the alleged destructive of the planet.

I adored this novel. Gilda is a character who will live on in my imagination: a queer, black vampire, born into slavery, living and isolated life, among mortals and giving both hope and art to generations. It's a prophetic and beautifully crafted novel, one of the few I plan to buy again and again, just to give it away to someone who might need it.

The Gilda Stories is a sensual masterpiece and soulful adventure of the black lesbian experience across historical realms under the tastefully alluring lifestyles of vampires that travel the world and connect with their chosen families. What a gem and beloved narrative to illuminate the power and seduction of black lesbians with a passionate and poetic Afrofuturistic ending. A must read and exciting indulgence!! Timeless love and a feminist awakening. Addictive, charming and a feast for the imagination. Simply a delight!!!

No one writes like this anymore. Jewell Gomez is such a master of words. This was a great introduction for me into queer, Black, femme and masculine of center vampire fiction. It was a long read, but well- written for sure. Can't wait for the feature, if it's done well.

Easy reading, WLW and POC. I personally didn't attach to the characters to fully enjoy the journey.

Loved the first half. Grabbed me from the first page. Very compelling. I was excited to view 200 years of America through the eyes of a black lesbian vampire. But after that I was disappointed. While race obviously plays an important part of the story, I expected to see more with regards to civil rights in the time between 1955 and 1971. No mention of MLK or his assassination. During the 80's, nothing about AIDS even though she was part of the community most affected. It had a lot of missed opportunities. It wasn't the story i was expecting. However, I did enjoy Gilda's story. I just never felt completely satisfied with it. The characters were never allowed to fully develop and the main character was too passive to be believable. I think the problem is that these were written as short stories rather than a full novel. I didn't dislike it , i wanted more. I gave it 4 stars because 3 wasn't enough.

Very interesting perspective on the vampire story. I enjoyed it very much. Gilda is an interesting but enigmatic heroine, I was left unsure what she was searching for but impressed with her courage and humanity.

I had to read this book as an compulsory reading for university but it was a very nice book.The vampire myth is renewed by Black Atlantic female writers as Jewelle Gomez.

I couldn't stop reading Gilda's unyielding hope for the world, for humanity and for the families we make for ourselves. The prose was unfailingly beautiful, the message left burning bright in my head like an exchange with Gilda herself. I wish I could have the pleasure of reading it again for the first time, but I know every time will feel just as special and yield new detail and lessons.

Looking forward to reading this. Given 4 stars as the book arrived slightly damaged as seen.Will update review when read.

I initially gifted this to a friend but was so enthralled that I had to buy a copy for myself. I would highly recommend - it's not often you come across intersectional stories in this way. Many worlds collide and even more issues are thrust into the forefront of the reader's mind. If you're after QPOC representation, queer representation, intersectional feminism, tales of the Vampyre and a story relevant today as it was 25 years ago, Jewelle Gomez's book is for you.