This week, the class finished The Gilda Stories. Overall, I think the book was interesting. It was certainly different from anything I have read in the past. I think there are a few major themes that Jewelle Gomez wants the reader to absorb. One is the concept of family. Not only family, but the idea of non-traditional families and the acceptance of those families. Gilda's family, because she is a vampire, is obviously not the traditional idea of a family. She refers to Bird as her mother, Julius as her brother, and Ellie is her sister. Her family and the experiences she shares with them are far from what is consider "normal" by society. I think Gomez is looking to get people to accept the fact not all family's are normal, but are still able to function like a "normal" family.
I think another thing Gomez does with this novel is break stereotypes. Typically, a vampire is a white male. Gomez strays from that norm and uses a black, female vampire as her protagonist. She also constructs Gilda as a character who is not the typical vampire. Normally, a vampire is a blood thirsty, merciless creature that will stop at nothing to get its share of blood. However, Gilda is different. Gilda can be very compassionate and gentle at times. She also shows love and friendly feelings towards others. So, that stereotype is also broken by the character of Gilda.
-Post #4 by Alex Beilman
I'm glad you felt as though this novel was different from what you have read or been asked to read previously. In discussing family and stereotypes you definitely touch upon two of the key aspects Gomez is asking us to think about via Gilda.
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