By Love Possessed: Stories

by Lorna Goodison

Internationally renowned and award-winning poet Lorna Goodison brings us By Love Possessed, her long-anticipated collection of short fiction. Making dazzling use of the Creole patois of Jamaica, Goodison limns the beauty and despair of the human condition and explores the unique power of love to both uplift and destroy. Goodison’s powerfully moving stories explore the pain, the struggle, and the triumph of Jamaicans—particularly women—those still living on their Caribbean island and those who have emigrated elsewhere. By Love Possessed is a rare and beautiful gift from an extraordinary writer who was mentored by the legendary Derek Walcott and who stands with Edwidge Danticat as a brave and breathtaking voice in contemporary literature.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Literary Fiction, Anthologies, Contemporary, Canada

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Lorna Goodison was born in Jamaica, and has won numerous awards for her writing in both poetry and prose, including the Commonwealth Poetry Prize, the Musgrave Gold Medal from Jamaica, the Henry Russel Award for Exceptional Creative Work from the University of Michigan, and one of Canada’s largest literary prizes, the British Columbia National Award for Canadian Non-Fiction for From Harvey River: A Memoir of My Mother and Her People (2007). Her work has been included in the major anthologies and collections of contemporary poetry over the past twenty-five years, such as the Norton Anthology of Modern and Contemporary Poetry, the Harper Collins World Reader, the Vintage Book of Contemporary World Poetry, the Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces, and Longman Masters of British Literature.

Along with her award winning memoir, she has published three collections of short stories (including By Love Possessed, 2011) and nine collections of poetry.

Her work has been translated into many languages, and she has been a central figure at literary festivals throughout the world. Lorna Goodison teaches at the University of Michigan, where she is the Lemuel A. Johnson Professor of English and African and Afro American Studies.

Reviews

[Missy J · Rating 3 out of 5]

My second book by Lorna Goodison this year. The tone and atmosphere of “By Love Possessed” reminded me a lot of From Harvey River: A Memoir of My Mother and Her Island. Even though, the former is a short story collection, the stories reflected the author's humor and "easy-goingness." From the 22 short stories, I have to say that the first few and last few were particularly strong and memorable. Special mentions for: The Helpweight (5 stars), Jamaica Hope, Henry, Bella Makes Life, The Big Shot, Angelita and Golden Days, Shilling, Dream Lover, Mi Amiga Gran, I Come Through (5 stars).

I loved the music references and the colorful characters. They all had different personalities and the author succeeded in depicting the Jamaica of her childhood to us. Unfortunately, there were a few underwhelming stories in the middle of the book. But all in all, I am very glad to have read this.

[Gail (The Knight Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so refreshing to read a collection of stories written in such simple yet beautiful language. It was my first time reading Ms Goodison's work and I want to read everything she has ever written and will ever write.

What did I like? A number of things but here are a few standouts:

1. The language - It was so clear and easy to read. One word: Fluid.

2. The story length - Short, sweet and just long enough to keep me interested. Real SHORT stories, not short-ish stories.

3. The endings - Though the stories were short they did not feel rushed. Every story ended where it should. Some authors either rush endings to make a page count or just keep writing to achieve their ending (Thus creating a short-ish short story). Ms Goodison wrote short stories that felt relaxed and perfectly timed.

4. The culture - I am not Jamaican but I am a Caribbean native and live in and love Jamaica. It was so lovely to read about and recognize such familiar places, words, personalities and names. If you have forgotten Jamaica, read this collection and it will jog your memory.

5. The cover - The book cover is as beautiful its content.

6. The content - Every story felt different yet important to the collection.

7. The brightness - There is a trend to show the dark side of Jamaica by authors today. Yes, Jamaica can be dark but it can also be bright and beautiful. I cannot tell you how lovely it was to just stay in the realm of light and truly just enjoy tales that feel real and familiar (with a little sprinkle of darkness here and there to add some flavor).

I am so happy to encounter a 5 star read in a world filled with 3 star reads. This kind of book is one you revisit through the years and share with your children because this is what good literature looks like. So, buy a copy, read it and keep it in a safe place for future rereads.

[BookOfCinz · Rating 4 out of 5]

For 2018 I decided to start reading more books written by West Indian Authors. I went to the Library and this was one of my picks for March.

By Love Possessed is a collection of short stories written by Lorna Goodison that perfectly captures the culture, heart and spirt of Jamaica and Jamaican people. I honestly enjoyed this collection of short stories, I could feel the Caribbean sun oozing from the page of this lovely book. Having read "Fool-Fool- Rose is Leaving Labour in Vain Savannah" and thoroughly enjoyed it, I decided to give this one a go. Side-note: Some of the stories in Fool-Fool Rose.. was also included in "Love Possessed"

This was such a well-rounded, perfectly executed collection of stories. I found myself laughing out loud, hissing my teeth, rolling my eyes and shaking my head at different characters. But overall my favorites included:
The Helpweight
Bella Makes Life
By Love Possessed
House Colour
Fool-Fool Rose is Leaving Labour-in-Vain Savannah
Angelita and Golden Days
Talola's Husband
Alice and the Dancing Angel

If you love short stories set in the Caribbean, this is a must read.

[Altan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazingly powerful short stories. Not all were to my taste, but many just killed me. Would highly recommend.

[James F · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection of mostly previously published stories by the author of Supplying Salt and Light and From Harvey River. The tone is similar; the stories are focused on characters in their personal relationships with husbands, wives, lovers, parents and other relatives, without emphasizing larger social issues, although they are present in the background. Goodison somewhat reminds me of Alice Munro in her choice of subjects, although the treatment is different. Some of the stories have a tragic outcome, while others are rather upbeat or even humorous. It was an enjoyable read but probably not a book I will remember as much as the books by Miller, Cezaire-Thompson, and James that we are reading in the same group.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book of short stories even more than From Harvey River: A Memoir of My Mother and Her Island. Each one was a little gem in itself. I also learned about Jamaican culture from its musical styles and musicians and its language and geography through incidences of narrative.

I suggest trying out this collection to see whether it does not intrigue you.

[Rianna Jade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jamaican love storie, t'was cute.
:)

[Margaret Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful short stories by a Jamaican author about Jamaican people. In prep for my trip to Jamaica.

[Lulu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent collection of short stories based in Jamaica. I enjoyed some a lot more than others.

[faith · Rating 2 out of 5]

For the most part of this, I didn't understand the point of the stories that were included. The last two stories were probably my favorite of the entire collection. I had a few problems with some things included in some of the stories as well; I just didn't think they were necessary at all and didn't add anything to the story. I would've just liked it better if they weren't included.

[Keith Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

So refreshing to read stories that, without trying to bend our sense of fiction, do something different. And what is it? As always, Goodison celebrates the people of Jamaica, even when those people do a few things not worthy of celebration. She has the landscape deep in her. And the food -- she clearly loves the food. And the music.

But the one possessed by love is the author. She clearly loves these island people. She relishes the language they use -- and she's found a way to make the language real, but not lose those of us who don't know and have little experience with island English. It's beautiful on the page where Goodison makes it sing.

Goodison has a clear vision of human failing, but she doesn't let it overwhelm the presence of love and of kindness. In that sense these stories feel genuinely optimistic. Look how good we can be? Even in poverty and limited possibility, see the joy.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lorna Goodison clearly has a knack for creating whole worlds in just a few pages. Immediately, I am immersed in Jamaica, Dorchester MA, and countless other locales. The characters she writes are vibrant, flawed, and so real that I could almost touch them, so real that they could be staring at me from across the subway.

Goodison writes of an old flame trying to win an old lover back. She writes of a boy who sells roses on the side of the road and wants to be adopted by somebody rich. She writes of many more people, many more lives. There is so much hope imbibed in these stories, even if only for the main character. By Love Possessed is a celebration of Jamaican people, whether they still remain in the country or if they're ex-pats. A beautiful collection, ultimately, of the intricacies of daily life and the stuff that makes us human.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating has been slightly adjusted for this as a short story collection. I don't know why I always pick them up; I enjoy them, but find them a bit difficult to get through sometimes.

However, this is one of my favorite collections I've read in a long time. Many times, I found myself only a page or two into a story and so lost in the narrative that I forgot it would end in another few pages. I would love to read a novel by this author because I think it would be captivating.

Also, I haven't read much fiction from Jamaica that doesn't focus around immigrating to another country. This collection was a wonderfully diverse array of characters and stories, all most all taking place in Jamaica.

[Lainy Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

Wow! Wow! Wow! How did I go so long before reading this masterpiece collection of the stories of my childhood? Lorna Goodison writes of the experiences of every Jamaican growing up in the 40s up to the 80s. I loved every word. I understood every story. I know a fool fool Rose. I know a Dottie. I know a Pinky...back in the days.

Language and style were rich, lyrical and spellbinding. Each character real. A must read for all Jamaicans who want to remember and those who want to taste of our heritage.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book of short stories. I was so impressed by the unique way each one was written tailored to its characters, moral, and individually linked to the title of the whole book. This was so much fun to discover. I can't wait to read it again a few years from now. Lorna Goodison is definitely my kind of Caribbean writer. I could feel, taste, smell, hear the Caribbean through her stories.

[Apphia Barton · Rating 3 out of 5]

An endearing anthology of short stories written about love and relationships. I'd describe most of the stories as cute, charming and funny. A few were touching/moving or more on the serious side but, interestingly enough, all had silver linings.

A novel to reach for if you don't have much time and you're in need of a little short story to cheer you up.

[Stacie Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a good read. Each story gave me a feeling of nostalgia. As a Caribbean native I could relate to the various events and each character reminded me of someone I knew growing up. I read this in kindle so it was a slow read for me. It is one of those books I will get in paperback as there are stories I that I will read again plus the cover is gorgeous. A great book for a beach day.

[Nakeshia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this but...

The first story really piqued my interest. I got a sample them I just wanted more. The stories are mixed with humour, emotion and nostalgia. I didn't like that a lot of the stories had cliff hangers though. It somewhat feels like I was short-changed.

[Carissa Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of short stories is incredibly interesting- some are haunting, some are devastating, some feel unfinished in a way that other writers can resonate with. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to wash the taste of Shilling out of my mouth, in the best of ways.

[Robert Weiss, · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good writing

The author shows a genuine picture of Jamaica, which she deals with in a mix of admiration, sadness, humor and irony. Thank you!

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My February choice for The FOLD’s reading challenge — literary fiction by a Caribbean Canadian author. This book of short stories was a great read.

[coolgalreader · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75!

[humansreading · Rating 3 out of 5]

After allotting each story with stars, I averaged it all to give the entire collection a star rating of 3.5. Some stories were truly vivid, relatable and even touching. Being Jamaican and exposed to Lorna Goodison’s writing since high school, I already expected good writing. This collection did not disappoint as I believe Goodison’s range was showcased.

My favourite stories from this collection are:
The Helpweight
Jamaica Hope
House Colour
Fool-Fool Rose Is Leaving Labour-in-Vain Savannah
Angelita and Golden Days

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short stories. Well told and enjoyable. Libby

[Emily Crowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I took four books of Caribbeana with me on my recent trip to Anguilla, and this was the third one that I read. I think the collection is an interesting one overall, if a little uneven, but I think it gives a great taste of Jamaica--all of the stories take place there, or feature Jamaicans in the UK or the US. Perhaps because I'd just tried (and ultimately failed) to read The Sly Company of People Who Care, which is very heavy in Caribbean dialects, the dialect and West Indian expressions in this story collection were quite easy for me to follow and understand.

Nah vex yuhse'f with the lingo--just read the dialogue aloud and you'll get the gist in no time.

[Sasha (bahareads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

By Love Possess is a collection of short stories that touch the heart. Some of them will make the reader incredible frustrated. Goodison starts strong and ends strong with this collection. Usually, when reading a collection of any kind (story stories, poems etc) I'll make my favourites in the table of contents, and with this work, I marked more stories than left them unmarked. I enjoyed how the love in these collections was not just romantic, but familiar and friendly love; violent love and undying love. The collection showcases all sides and emotions of love.

[Chivon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit, I did not read this book all the way through. I enjoyed most of the short stories that I did read. I liked learning about Jamaican culture throught the stories. I did feel that some of the stories were a little hard to read because they were written in Jamaican dialect/jargon. I also thought all of the stories were going to be love stories, but they were not. Still I enjoyed them.

[Shandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed these stories, although many of the endings feel abrupt -- you can feel the stories winding down, but I found myself wanting a little more information. That aside, I really enjoyed the sense of place and culture laced throughout the stories, and I loved reading the Jamaican voices and dialogue.

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

As of right now, I am having a really hard time reading this book. I get that it is about Jamacian life, but it is very hard to follow with the way the sentences are when the characters are talking. I have tried over and over to pick it up and read it, but I'm finding it dificult. I won't give up though, I never leave a book unfinished.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

THis was really good. Normally, I don't like short stories, mainly because they are, well, short but I loved this book. Some stories were better than others but they were all worth reading. One review I read mentioned that a lot of the book is in patois, but it isn't really. There are bits and pieces but nothing that you can't figure out easily enough, so don't be intimidated by that.