Blackberries, Blackberries

by Crystal Wilkinson

Book Overview

As the title implies, this beautifully written collection bursts with stories reminiscent of blackberries----small, succulent morsels that are inviting and sweet, yet sometimes bitter. Crystal Wilkinson provides an almost voyeuristic glimpse into the lives of her characters: Two misfit teenagers seek stolen moments of love and acceptance in the cloak of night ("Hushed"); a woman spends every waking hour obsessed with dying yet ironically watching...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0813169585
• ISBN13: 9780813169583
• Release Date: February 2017
• Publisher: University Press of Kentucky
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.4" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

D.J. Parhams, Author of The Blues for Annie Mae

I thoroughly enjoyed this book of short stories. Wilkinson has a great country dialect and appeal. She reminds me a great deal of another great short story writer, by the name of J. California Cooper. Her characters were real and compelling. Her first literary effort was great and definitely outstanding. Ms. Wilkinson gave me the understanding and inspiration to complete my own work...hats off to this great author. I will forever cherish this book and I anxiously await her next project.

Wonderful Voice, Wonderful Stories

This collection of short stories is told in a wonderful voice that sounds both black and Appalachian, which is no surprise as the stories are set in small town Kentucky with mostly African American characters. There are some real knock-out stories including "Waiting for the Reaper" about how a woman's life is colored by how she's always expecting/wanting to die and be with her loved ones. "Peace of Mind" is a monologue during one afternoon while a woman tries to have some time to herself and gets called by her ex husband and her kids and camp at her best friend while her lemonade melts; "Tipping the Scales" is a novel-in-miniature.

How Sweet It Is!

'The blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice' is a phrase that is certainly applicable to the nectar that flows from Blackberries, Blackberries.The short stories of this succulent read are rich, sweet and satisfying. Though the tales are short, they last forever in your memory. After each bite, you'll find yourself saying, "aahhh", "mmm", and other expressions that signify that your appetite has been quenched.Blackberries, Blackberries is a collection of short stories of beautiful Black, southern women whose ages range from 8-80. Each woman is as uniqe as the tale she serves readers. The stories are creatively seasoned with wisdom, humor, romance, and other flavors that awaken your senses. Wilkinson arrests your attention with vivid scenes, animate characters, soothing sounds and tantilizing scents that will have you going back for 'second helpings'. Don't panic when the images leap from the pages; they are designed to make you feel at home in Kentucky.Some of the delicacies that had me returning for seconds include: "The Awakening", "Chocolate Divine", "Mine", "Women's Secrets", "Tipping the Scales", "The Wonderer", and "Need". Wilkinson has prepared a delicious feast of stories, and there is plenty for everyone. No sharing please!

Wow...

What an amazing book. This tome is filled with short stories - some long, some only a page or two - all of which capture the attention and fill the senses with the beauty of the "country". I loved this book. I'm only disappointed it took me so long to discover it. Perfect gift material. I am going to snatch up a copy of her second book as soon as is humanly possible!

berries was juicy!

really took me back, thought i was living througout the entire read. She has a way of bringing the smalest details alive, look forward to the next one.