A lovely review of Dangerous Space from Paul di Filippo at Asimov’s SF, who also had many wonderful things to say about Nicola’s memoir.
In her much-anticipated debut collection, Dangerous Space, Kelley Eskridge can sound like Samuel Delany, Theodore Sturgeon, Fritz Leiber, or Joanna Russ, while still maintaining her own unique throaty, modulated voice. A non-trivial accomplishment indeed. These seven stories cover a wide territory stylistically and venue-wise, while all adhering to the same authorial POV that regards the world as a dangerous, delightful place, where extending oneself to others and opening oneself up to experience necessarily entails the possibility of suffering. “Strings” presents a future where music has been robbed of improvisation. “And Salome Danced” gives us an actor with some uncanny supernatural abilities. A “dust-devil” bag lady holds some startling secrets in “City Life.” Postmodern sword and sorcery is the motif in “Eye of the Storm,” while a cyberpunkish vision appertains to “Somewhere Down the Diamondback Road.” Original to this collection, the long title story is a mimetic rendition of the pop musician’s life. And finally, “Alien Jane” brings us inside a cruel mental asylum where the title character undergoes a lab-animal existence narrated by a fellow patient who might be her only friend. Eskridge’s output accretes only slowly–the oldest story here dates from 1990–but like well-aged wine, these tales decant superbly.
— Asimov’s SF, July 2008
I agree with every word. I was shocked today to find out that the Vancouver Public Library doesn’t have a copy of Dangerous Space, so I requested one in hopes that more people will become exposed to these wonderful stories.
I especially savor things that accrete slowly. I’m glad to see people appreciating your “wine”, Kelley.
@ karina; I’ll be in Vancouver next week to walk with new friends and do some solo hanging out in the best cafe or coffeehouse I can find. Recommendations? Want to meet and discuss Dangerous Space?
Sure, let’s get together and talk about Dangerous Space. You can email me at: karina [at] shetranslates [dot] com and we can exchange other contact info.
I asked my wife, “What’s the best coffee you’ve had in Vancouver as far as taste goes?” and she immediately replied, “Artigiano.” Their Hastings location isn’t that bad to hang out in, either. The one across from the Vancouver Art Gallery is pretty crowded, so it’s mostly in-and-out. Now, I’m trying to think what the best coffeehouse would be… I usually loiter Melriches on Davie St. or JJ Bean on Main St. (or also the one one Commercial Dr.). It depends on what you dig. Cafe Deux Soleils hosts poetry slams and such, serves good sandwiches and veggie burgers, beer, etc.
Oh, and if you’re here on July 2nd, you may as well grab some tickets for the True Colors Tour with Cyndi Lauper, Rosie O’Donnell, Regina Spektor, Indigo Girls, and so on.
I hope you both have fun!
Karina, thanks for making some space for DS at the library. I love libraries, I love Vancouver, so it will be great to have a little piece of me at that particular nexus…