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GIRLFRIENDS Bunkley/Kitt/Rutland Harper July 1999 (3) Wayne Jordan |
Contemporary Romance |
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PLOT SYNOPSIS: |
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REVIEW: |
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I’m one of those
readers who prefer the detailed character development and multiple conflicts
and plots of a novel. I’ve always
viewed short stories as a plate of hors-d'oevres that whet the appetite, but
leave you wanting more. After reading GIRLFRIENDS by three of the more acclaimed
African-American novelists, I’m more convinced that this is true. Despite this, the stories are a pleasant way
to spend a few hours. Of the three stories, Sandra
Kitt’s is my favorite. In “The Heart of
the Matter” (4), Ms. Kitt gives us a brief look into the life of Katherine
Winston. The story is not only about
her sexual re-awakening, years after the death of her husband, but it is also
about friendship and forgiveness.
Central to the story is the relationship between Katherine and
Danika. Conceited and selfish, Danika
lets Katherine down at her wedding, never turning up to fulfill her role as
maid of honor. Years later, Katherine
meets Danika and is shocked when she finds out that her former best friend has
cancer. Katherine, forgiving, embraces
Danika, and helps her to come to grips with her disease. One of the most moving scenes takes place
when Danika, battered by disease, meets with her other friends after many years
of alienation. Once vain and selfish,
Danika learns humility. A poignant
moving story, Ms. Kitt’s characterization is as outstanding as in her novels. Ms. Bunkley’s
“At The
End Of The Day” (3) is the story of Micere, and her growth to independent
woman. With a soul food restaurant on
the verge of being featured on a popular television show, the only thing that
Micere needs in her life is a good man.
That too is looking promising.
Her new friend, Conrad, is all she wants in a man…and husband. The only problem is an angry ex-husband who
still wants to control her. Ms. Bunkley
does a good job of presenting a diverse collection of girlfriends who are there
to support Micere through this very volatile time in her life. Ms.
Rutland's “Choices” (3), the final
story, could have been much, much more.
Becky’s best friend, Millie, believes that key to happiness is
riches. Both from the projects, to
them, a glamorous lifestyle has a strong appeal, so when Becky is introduced to
Samuel Hendricks, he seems like the perfect man. Enters Carl Saunders, the plumber. Becky is so taken with Sam’s status that she is unable to see Carl
for the gem that he is. In the end, however,
she realizes who is the right man for her.
“Choices” ends with an assumption that Becky will return to Carl. With a greater focus on and intensity in the
developing relationship between Carl and Becky, the ending could have been a lot
more satisfying. Unfortunately, I never
really get the sense of conflict going on inside Becky’s head. In the end, it is almost as if the choice
she made was the choice the readers expected her to make. Despite this, “Choices”
is a story worth
reading. GIRLFRIENDS delivers what it promises. Stories of the friendships girlfriends have, and the things they share—the pain, the laughter, the tears, the joy, and the love… |
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2002 |
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