Martinac, Paula & Carla Tomaso. Voyages Out 1: Lesbian
Short Fiction. Seal Pr. -Feminist. 1989. c.192p. ISBN
0-931188-79-2. pap. $8.95
[FICTION]
The brief short stories in this collection attempt to
explain the problems faced by lesbians. They examine a range of
issues, including celibacy, and family and relations with women
and men; each tries to focus on the loneliness of being single
and the inner strength needed in a hostile society.
Unfortunately, almost all of the stories miss the mark; though
the authors try hard to make situations realistic, the stories
lack character development, plot and outcome. They are also
alarmingly brief and choppy; several by Martinac stop abruptly,
leaving the reader disappointed: What really happened here?
Libraries with lesbian/gay literature collection would be better
served by Lesbian Bedtime Stories (Tough Dove Bks., 1989)
and Nisa Donnelly's The Bar Stories (LJ 3/15/89)
Kevin M. Roddy, Oakland Public Library, California