Synopses & Reviews
Souls are on the move in this collection of short stories. The reader meets Mrs. Da Silva, a 65-year-old matriarch of Carnival's Rebel War Band who wins the heart of a postman, and a widow who commemorates the death of her husband by winning a taverna's dance competition. A transformed and sparkling city of London sets the scene for a company chairman's nemesis at the hands of his wife. In Andalucia, the spirit of the "duende" inspires an elderly widow to dance a death-defying flamenco. The ghost of Dante's Virgil, leading his pilgrim along perilous paths, is brought to mind as one friend guides another on her final journey. One South American president takes a sentimental astral journey round the scenes of his ruthless rise to power before being buried by an ungrateful nation; while a discerning parrot tours world cultures and learns about Christianity.
Review
"A magnificent sense of pacing is the first of Melville's skills....The second is her gift for voices." Publishers Weekly
Review
"An irresistible book and a fine introduction...to one of the best new writers on the international scene." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"Melville's short stories exist outside of the sort of time we know and anguish over in our machine-ruled culture." Booklist
Review
"To borrow an adjective from one of Melville's characters: this is one 'splendacious' book." New York Times
Synopsis
Spirits are on the move in Pauline Melville's fabulous short story collection. A South American president revisits the scenes of his ruthless rise to power-shortly after his own funeral. A transformed and sparkling city of London sets the scene for a company chairman's nemesis at the hands of his wife. In Andalucia, the spirit of the "duende" inspires an elderly widow to dance a death-defying flamenco. We meet splendacious Mrs. da Silva, sixty-five year old matriarch of Rebel War Band, as she boogies at a carnival. The ghost of Dante's Virgil, leading his pilgrim along perilous paths, is brought to mind as one friend guides another on her final journey.
About the Author
With a sense of mischief and tremendous skill, Pauline Melville weaves a magnificent tapestry featuring Guyanese and European tales. Her wit and delight in language are apparent on every page, and her storytelling is irresistible. She lives in London.