July 11, 2012

My boyfriend’s mother recently gave me a book to read that she thought I would appreciate and enjoy. She was right. Since it was published in 1992, Bastard Out of Carolina  wasn’t necessarily something I would have come across on my own (I was too busy reading about Babysitters and other teenage girls with “sparkling blue eyes”) but I’m glad it found it’s way into my hands.  The story is told in the voice of Ruth Anne Boatright, referred to as “Bone.” Born into a notoriously “white trash” family in Greenville County, South Carolina, Bone must contend with a particularly harrowing set of circumstances, all beyond her control.  She can handle the poverty, and the moving from one ramshackle house to the next, but the physical and sexual abuse from her stepfather is a burden that Bone finds impossible to reconcile. So, without going into too much depth, let me give you a basic overview of all you need to know about this book. First, to put it simply, Dorothy Allison’s writing style is transportive and her use of Southern dialect is nothing short of masterful.  The novel is partially biographical and it is clear to see that Allison writes with a keen understanding of her characters and the ways in which they view the world.

In this excerpt, Bone is talking with her Grandmother about wanting to become a gospel singer, despite her obvious lack of vocal talent:

“Bullshit and apple butter,”  Granny laughed cruelly when I finally told her about watching the morning gospel singers and wanting to be like them.  ”You got to be joking, Bone!  You can’t sing girl.  You can’t sing at all.”

     ”Not now,” I admitted grudgingly.  ”But I’m working on it.  I’m gonna get better.  And think about it, Granny.  Think about what it would be like.”

 ”Oh, I know.”  Granny’s expression became gentle, her voice careful.  ”I know the power of gospel singers.  Some of these Christian women will believe anything for the sake of a gospel singer.”

       ”Anything.”  I loved the way she said that.  Granny’s “Christian women” came out like new spit on a dusty morning, pure and precious and deeply satisfying.

Bone’s story is not for the faint-hearted, nor those in search for a light beach read (I, personally, did read it from my lounge chair).  The gritty rawness will disturb and haunt you but there is something about the way Allison gives her narrator a voice that is enchantingly tragic – she captivates you.

If you liked these titles, you just might like Bastard:  The Glass Castle, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Secret Life of Bees 

PS - There is a movie that was made-for-tv by Showtime in 1996. It was directed by Angelica Houston, starring Jena Malone and it got some pretty positive reviews. I’ll probably check it out soon and I’ll let you know how I think it compares to the book, but, just as with any adapted for on-screen novel, I doubt it will pale in comparison!

(I know, it’s sad. Mom, don’t read this book. You will not like this book.)