Stigmata: A Novel

by Phyllis Alesia Perry

Book Overview

A Pulitzer Prize-winning editor offers a stunning debut novel--a lyrical story told through through a panoply of voices that matches the best in the rich tradition of African-American fiction, while... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385496354
• ISBN13: 9780385496353
• Release Date: September 1999
• Publisher: Anchor
• Length: 252 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.5" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

the art of storytelling

Ms. Perry continues in the tradition of Toni Morrison (Beloved) and Octavia Butler (Kindred), acting as a keeper of history and telling the stories of our past. In an age when black people specifically and all people in general want to forget about the legacy of slavery, here comes along a book that tells a story in such a way as to grab the readers attention from the onset. A blend of natural and supernatural. What a way to tell a story. I would love to see the movie!

A work of pure inspiration

So much fiction that's published these days is so imitative that it's practically lifeless. That's why it is truly refreshing to finally pick up a novel that truly takes risks and tries to say something new. It's an amazing accomplishment for a novice; naturally, a new writer will have to grow and hone their craft and will make mistakes. However, with Ms. Perry there's surprisingly little of that. She's handled her material with remarkable poise and assurance. My hat's off to her!

The critics can't all be wrong

"A multifaceted achievement"-Atlanta Journal Constitution"Perry is a gifted storyteller...Certain to hit the best-seller list"-Los Angeles TimesWords and phrases repeat hauntingly like ecstatic jazz riffs....evocative"-Washington Post Book WorldIntricate, understated, and beautifully controlled, this novel introduces a quietly provocative voice-Publisher's Weekly (starred review)"Powerful"-Kirkus Review (starred review)"A truly engrossing tale"-Booklist (starred review)Georgia Author of the Year AwardMuch more than a "time-travelesque" novel, this novel is a meditation on the emotional and historical lives of the characters, the relationships between mothers and daughters, the ties that bind through generations and a closeup look at mental illness. I think I speak for all the critics above when I say that this is one of the finest debuts I've read. I detect a whiff of jealously from the "reader in Georgia". I suspect none of the critics said the above about your book.

Anxiously looking forward to the next book

I usually don't read many first time novelists. If I'm going to plunk down $20-25 bucks, I want to get an author I know is going to be good. But after a friend called me up raving about how good Stigmata was, I decided to go out on a limb. I'm glad I did. Stigmata was one of the best books I've read in years. Ms. Perry is a major talent that's only going to get better. Readers in five foreign countries can't all be wrong. The story of these four women is as gripping and engaging from the first page to the last. It's a book that stays with you long after you've put it down. Thanks to Stigmata, I'm going to give more first novelists a chance!

A brilliant first novel with four memorable women in it.

Stigmata is an amazing debut nove. It is a very powerful story about four generations of black women. Lizzie, the contemporary character is carrying the memories of early generations within her and this manifests in a strange way which baffles everyone around her. Her grandmother came to America as a slave and her voice in the novel is both poignant and superbly moving. The different women in the family form a chain and heritage which moves through the generations. It is a really special book which you will want to read more than once and which will stay with you for a long time afterwards. I can't wait for the author's next book. It will be published in the UK in January apparently. I was given a copy of the American book.