A review by reila
The Gilda Stories by Jewelle Gomez

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

"One takes on others as family and continually reshapes that meaning---family---but you do not break blood ties. We may not with to live together at all times, but we will always be with each other."

What can I say except that I savored every word of Jewelle Gomez's prose? Decadent and refreshing, too. These are vampires that take life but give something in return, such as a thread of motivation or amplifying the dreams of the humans they feed on. Usually touching on the bit of humanity (hope) that the person has, being repressed by the state of the world they are in, among other barriers. The group that Gilda associates with practices this way of conscientious feeding. There are vampires in this world who have lost this compassion or are Made unaware of this alternative way to sustain their long lives. 

"We take blood, not life, and leave something in exchange." In order to answer any of the questions the book raises we must take blood---metaphorically speaking. That is, we must learn how to break through the surface, find the deep dangerous place where blood flows without hurting one other, and share all that we know and love in order to survive." 

The stories feel less about vampirism, touching more about the human condition throughout the years and at the turn of the century, from the perspective of an escaped enslaved person Turned into a vampire; the young woman we know as Gilda wasn't given that name until that pivotal moment; gateway to living her new, liberated life. 

Some human lessons can be taken in stride, as there are no barriers to time. Searching for belonging is something that takes literal lifetimes to foster. To be activists/live through social movements, then outlive them, and see what comes after---aren't Gilda's main prerogative but are the focus of her peers. 

"You must look to me and know who I am and if the life I offer is the life you choose. In choosing you must pledge yourself to pursue only life, never bitterness or cruelty."

Vampirism doesn't come in much, feeling like a secondary condition to Gilda. It sneaks up on you when mentioned (which works because you're figuring out 'what it means' with her). I promise you that superpowered fights and sensual blood-drinking happen in the book. Infrequently, but it happens.

We get to visit 2020 and even a glimpse of 2050. It's interesting to compare our 2020 to what was speculated in 1991. As far as what happens in 2050, feels like the vampire novel people tend to expect from the namesake (I will admit, I am 'people').

Very cool read, which I'm happy to have found!