There’s only been one book that has ever made me shed a tear and now there’s two. I hate crying, which is why I always try to avoid the act, but I do love and respect a book that thwarts my best efforts. Even now, having just finished this little beauty by Sally Bellerose less than 24 hours ago, I’m still a husk of emotion. Usually I wait a few days before writing a review to allow my thoughts to settle, but I want to do my best to convey the full breath of what this book has accomplished, and I think that requires immediate action.
The plot is simple—two women (Jackie and Regina) who have spent a lifetime together, drive to the dump to get rid of an old Christmas tree, and during the journey they bring up over 50 years of memories. What enfolds is an incredible display of humanity. I usually try to pitch a book based on interest, but it would be to society’s benefit if Fishwives was mandatory reading for everyone. One example of the many ways this book stretches the mind into a greater empathetical place is the police raid in the beginning which is how Jackie and Regina meet. I’m sure nearly every lgbt person has heard that it was illegal back in the 50s to cross-dress and to act on homosexuality, but reading about the experience of police breaking into a gay bar on page was something else entirely. Bellerose also didn’t shy away from racism and the even greater hardship for black lesbians. This book teaches without preaching, and I was enthralled with the narrative the entire time.
The character work here was also rich and deep. Not only were Jackie and Regina laid out in all flaws, strengths, and weaknesses, but even side characters who had little page time were well-developed. Jackie especially left a huge impression on me, but that may be because I found her more relatable. The relationship between Jackie and Regina, for many reasons, wasn’t linear. Obviously there’s no suspense in this as they’re together in their old age, but I greatly enjoyed reading about all of the bumps and breaks along the way, only to make the ending few pages that more powerful.
I think this book will stay with me until the day I die.
Wow- talk about a reader getting and appreciating your (my) novel. This book, with several detours including the publishing process, took ten years to morph from a short story to become the novel Fishwives. This review- every writer’s dream review – has made that ten years feel worthwhile. Thank you – for this review and for reviewing literature with lesbian characters. Much appreciated. Warmly, Sally Bellerose
Thank you for not giving up on this story! I was deeply moved. I’m so happy this book exists.
This is a powerful story. I’m almost finished it and I can see the ending. It isn’t what you call a happy story but I think it’s what is far too true for many seniors in the LGBTQ+ community.
Thanks for sticking with this Sally. It is, in my opinion, an important story that needed to be told.
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