Russ, Joanna - To Write Like a Woman: Essays in Feminism and Science Fiction

[oyceter]

I think I liked the two other Joanna Russ books I've read better (What Are We Fighting For? and How to Suppress Women's Writing), but that is largely because I am much more interested in feminism than I am in SF.

I know! I am a genre reader, but not really an SF reader -- I grew up on fantasy, and that's still what I seek out. And I've read very little SF, so many of the things that Russ comments on, I don't know enough about to really analyze. I also haven't read several other works she refers to, including Willa Cather and "The Yellow Wallpaper" and Shirley Jackson (um. yes i know. i will some day....).

On the other hand, I continue to enjoy Russ' casual, conversational style and notes, along with her wit and her way of looking at things. I may not always agree with her, but I like that she continues to examine "marginal" genres and works, though this collection of essays focuses more (solely?) on white women instead of on POC.

Also, I am glad to have finally read this, despite the horrific overdue fine my library will charge, because I have now finally read her essay on Gothics, "Somebody's Trying to Kill Me, and I Think It's My Husband"! I'm excited because coffeeandink refers to it for romances, and I'm excited because I feel more equipped to read the Gothics rachelmanija has given and lent to me.

So, recced, but more recced if you have actually read what Russ is referring to.

Comments

C. L. Moore

[rachelmanija.livejournal.com]

Her short stories. She has some novels but they're more sf-standard.

Here's where it gets a bit complicated, for two reasons:

1. She has quite a few collections, and has been anthologized all over the place. For minimum overlap of material, I would look for The Best of C L Moore, Jirel of Joiry, and Northwest Smith. But these may all be out of print, so it might be easier reading some stories in anthologies.

2. She co-wrote a number of stories with her husband Henry Kuttner, and those stories were published under several pseudonyms, of which "Lewis Padgett" is the best-known. So look for that name too.

Of the stories, I highly recommend "Shambleau," "Vintage Season," "No Woman Born," and "Black God's Kiss." I really like most of the stories about Jirel of Joiry (swordswoman in creepy fantasy world) and Northwest Smith (tough guy with hidden vulnerable side in science fantasy world.) They're all sort of pre-feminist in some ways but have subversive elements in others, so general warning for that. I can't be more specific without spoilers. Oh, and try not to be spoiled-- Moore often has, not so much twist endings, but stories whose plots take unexpected turns.

Re: C. L. Moore

[chomiji]

>> "Black God's Kiss." <<

Hmmm, I should re-read that - my memory says it's very cool but I don't remember the details.

Re: C. L. Moore

[oyceter]

Oh cool, thank you! I will try and look those up.