A few weeks ago, in preparation for my short trip to Jamaica, I buried myself in Michelle Cliff's No Telephone to Heaven. I've had a beautiful hardcover copy on my bookshelf for years, which I believe I bought second-hand at Powell's in Portland a good decade or so ago.
I remember having read the book, yet once I worked my way through it, in the midst of the worst cold I've had in years no less, it was as if I'd just read it for the first time. Michelle Cliff is such an amazing writer, so clear and raw and focused.
No Telephone to Heaven is a heartbreaking and enthralling book. I'd recommend it broadly, especially to repeat visitors to the Caribbean.
Okay - another recommendation for my double wide bookstack on the bedside table.
I saw her read her work once - tough to pinpoint her into a few words...
Posted by: poet with a day job | November 27, 2007 at 01:22
I love Michelle Cliff--No Telephone to Heaven is wonderful. Have you ever read Bodies of Water?
(PS: I'm really enjoying this blog of yours!)
Posted by: Leah | November 27, 2007 at 20:56
Yeah, pwadj, Cliff is difficult to pinpoint. There's so much going on. Leah: so glad you like the blog! I agree with you that No Telephone to Heaven is wonderful. Sometime we should talk about how it ends.
Thanks for the comments!
Posted by: Alex Robertson Textor | November 27, 2007 at 21:35