Mouths of rain An anthology of Black lesbian thought

Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

Jones traces "the long history of love between Black women" in this wide-ranging, celebratory anthology. Documenting "the purview of the poet, blues woman, essayist, and critic," Jones collects cultural criticism, theory, personal essay, and poetry from 1909 to 2019. The pieces are organized into five sections: "Uses of the Erotic" advances Audre Lorde's writing (in her essay of the same name) on the "suppression of the erotic"; "Interlocking Oppressions and Identity Politics" sees "Black lesbians articulate the complexity of embodying a multiplicitous self," as Jones writes in the introduction; "Coming Out and Stepping Into" focuses on personal tales of coming out; "The Sacred" is centered on spirituality and ritual; and "Radical Futurities" looks forward. Each features seminal writings from authors including Lorde, Barbara Smith, and Alice Walker, as well as up-and-coming writers, among them cultural critic Bettina Love, who expounds on the subversive power of the word ratchet to "examine the multiple intersections of Black and queer identity constructions within the space of hip hop," and Arisa White, who writes an innovative "poetic drama for 4 voices." Jones's inspiring and prodigious anthology is striking. (Feb.)

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Review by Library Journal Review

A much-needed addition to social science and philosophy shelves everywhere, Mouths of Rain is a beautiful compilation of Black lesbian thought over the past 200 years. Editor Jones, a Black lesbian feminist of Jamaican and African American descent, also highlights women who have shared intimate relationships with other women. Featured are the writings of Alice Walker, Audre Lorde, and Pauli Murray along with others, such as Barbara Smith and Bettina Love, whose writings deserve more attention. Including poetry, essays, and short stories on each topic, the book allows readers to connect to women's inner and outer truths--their desires, realities, hopes for the future, and immediate needs. Most important, the flow of the book will propel people to read further, learn more, and delve deeply into the subject matter in the hope that all can gain more understanding. This groundbreaking anthology resonates with studies, tales, and songs that have been ignored for far too long. VERDICT It's time people listen to Black lesbians and utilize that knowledge into action to improve lives. This book is a gateway into that action. An essential component to any social science shelf, this is transformative, vital reading.--Ahliah Bratzler, Indianapolis

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