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From Publishers Weekly This collection， conceived to broadly address the subject of women's work， focuses mainly on women in dead-end jobs struggling to make ends meet， with little hope of finding fulfilling employment opportunities. In Candida Lawrence's witty tale， "Spotter，" for example， Alice labors as a cashier at an amusement park， demeaned by her overzealous boss and the ridiculous uniform she must wear. Nevertheless， several of the stories here are noteworthy for their uncompromising portrayals of women fighting to gain respect and financial security in various work milieus， particularly Karen Loeb's "Machines，" Barbara Unger's "Search Committee" and Virginia Rudasill Mortenson's "Hideaway Inn." Overall， the poetry tends to be amateurish and cliched. Kate Braid's "These Hips" is spoken by a female contractor whose "strong hips are built for the birth of buildings，" and Leslea Newman's "Ode to Secretaries of America" urges women to "get up off their chairs and take a walk in the sun." The photographs are unexciting representations of women going about their everyday work routines. Martz is editor of Papier-Mache Press. Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information， Inc. From Library Journal This anthology of poetry， prose， and photography by women deals with their feelings about the work that they do. The contributors write about all type of work--paid and unpaid， professional， clerical， technical， and artistic. They talk about their hopes and frustrations， their fatigue and triumphs. The quality of the writing varies， but the spirit of these 60 women is evident. They take pride in their tasks， and they demand respect from co-workers and managers. The photographs capture the energy of the work place exceptionally well. This is not a necessary purchase for most collections， but it is an interesting and intimate look at women's lives. Women's studies collections will want to add it.- Barbara M. Bibel， Oakland P.L.， Cal.Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information， Inc. See all Editorial Reviews
If I Had a Hammer: Women's Work in Poetry, Fiction, and Photographs This collection stands as a testament to the enduring power and diverse expressions of women's creativity across multiple artistic mediums. It delves into the intricate tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and artistic visions that women have woven into the fabric of literature and visual art. The title, "If I Had a Hammer," evokes a sense of agency, of building, of shaping, and of breaking down barriers, reflecting the proactive and often transformative nature of women's creative endeavors. Poetry: Voices That Resonate and Reform In the realm of poetry, If I Had a Hammer showcases a spectrum of voices, each contributing a unique cadence to the collective song of women's experience. We encounter verses that are tender and intimate, plumbing the depths of personal relationships, the quiet moments of reflection, and the subtle shifts in emotional landscapes. These poems invite readers into private sanctuaries, offering solace, understanding, and a mirror to their own inner lives. Simultaneously, the collection amplifies voices that are bold, defiant, and politically charged. These poets wield language as a weapon, confronting injustice, challenging patriarchal norms, and demanding recognition and equality. Their words are a clarion call, urging readers to awaken to the realities of systemic oppression and to join the ongoing struggle for a more equitable world. The rhythm and meter of these poems often mirror the urgency of their messages, employing sharp imagery and impactful metaphors to convey potent truths. Furthermore, the collection explores the profound connection between women's poetry and the natural world. Many poems find inspiration in the cycles of nature, the rhythms of the earth, and the elemental forces that shape our existence. Through rich sensory details and evocative descriptions, these poets draw parallels between the processes of growth, decay, and renewal in nature and the human journey, highlighting the innate wisdom and resilience found within both. The exploration of identity is a recurring theme. Poets grapple with the multifaceted nature of being a woman in a complex world, dissecting notions of femininity, sexuality, race, class, and cultural heritage. They interrogate societal expectations, subvert stereotypes, and forge new understandings of selfhood, often through lyrical narratives that blend autobiography with universal human concerns. The use of innovative forms, from free verse to more structured traditional approaches, further demonstrates the versatility and adaptability of women's poetic expression. Each poem, in its own distinct way, contributes to a broader conversation about what it means to be a woman, to experience the world as a woman, and to articulate that experience with raw honesty and artistic mastery. Fiction: Worlds Constructed, Realities Examined The fictional narratives within If I Had a Hammer transport readers to diverse landscapes and into the lives of compelling characters, each grappling with their own unique set of challenges and triumphs. These stories are not merely tales; they are intricate examinations of the human condition, filtered through the lens of women's lived experiences. We are presented with stories that dissect the complexities of domestic life, exploring the joys, sorrows, and often unspoken tensions that bind families together. These narratives delve into the nuances of mother-daughter relationships, the dynamics of marriage, and the intricate webs of kinship, revealing the profound emotional currents that flow beneath the surface of everyday existence. Through richly drawn characters and compelling plotlines, these stories offer profound insights into the resilience and enduring strength of women in the face of personal and familial pressures. Beyond the confines of the home, the collection features narratives that venture into the public sphere, exploring women's roles in society, their aspirations for professional fulfillment, and their encounters with discrimination and prejudice. These stories highlight the courage and determination of women who have dared to break through societal barriers, pursuing their ambitions in fields traditionally dominated by men. They illuminate the personal sacrifices made and the individual victories achieved in the ongoing fight for gender equality in the workplace and beyond. The exploration of social and political themes is a significant aspect of the fiction presented. Many stories engage directly with issues of social justice, offering poignant critiques of inequality, exploitation, and systemic injustice. Through compelling storylines and unforgettable characters, these authors shed light on the lived realities of marginalized communities, prompting readers to confront uncomfortable truths and to consider their own roles in fostering a more just and compassionate society. The settings range from sprawling metropolises to remote villages, each locale imbued with a distinct atmosphere that reflects the cultural and historical contexts of the characters. Furthermore, the collection includes stories that delve into the realm of the fantastical and the speculative, pushing the boundaries of imagination and offering alternative visions of the future. These narratives often use allegory and symbolism to explore profound philosophical questions about human nature, consciousness, and our place in the universe. They challenge conventional notions of reality and offer fresh perspectives on the possibilities that lie beyond our current understanding. The diverse stylistic approaches, from minimalist prose to elaborate storytelling, underscore the breadth of creative talent at play. Each fictional work serves as a portal, inviting readers to immerse themselves in meticulously crafted worlds, to empathize with characters on their journeys, and to ponder the multifaceted nature of human experience. Photographs: Images That Speak Volumes The photographic component of If I Had a Hammer offers a visual counterpoint to the written word, presenting a powerful collection of images that capture the essence of women's lives, struggles, and triumphs. These photographs are not merely passive observations; they are active interventions, shaping our perceptions and challenging our assumptions. The collection features portraits that are both intimate and revealing, offering glimpses into the souls of the women who inhabit these images. Through the careful framing and lighting, photographers capture the strength, vulnerability, resilience, and quiet dignity of their subjects. These portraits often tell a story in themselves, hinting at the histories, emotions, and aspirations that lie beneath the surface, inviting the viewer to connect with the human stories behind the lens. Documentary photography plays a crucial role in showcasing the realities of women's work, both paid and unpaid, often in contexts that have been historically overlooked or undervalued. These images provide a visual record of women contributing to their communities, to their families, and to the broader economy. They highlight the dedication, skill, and often arduous labor that underpins so much of our world, forcing viewers to acknowledge the vital, yet often invisible, contributions of women. The collection also includes images that explore the symbolic and the abstract, employing artistic techniques to convey deeper meanings and emotions. These photographs may utilize striking compositions, evocative juxtapositions, or creative manipulation of light and shadow to create visual metaphors that resonate with the themes of the collection. They offer a more interpretive approach to representing women's experiences, inviting viewers to engage with the images on a more visceral and personal level. The photographs serve to document and celebrate the diversity of women's experiences across different cultures, ages, and backgrounds. They showcase the vast spectrum of human existence, highlighting both the commonalities that bind us and the unique experiences that define us. Through these visually compelling images, If I Had a Hammer provides a powerful and enduring testament to the multifaceted lives and artistic achievements of women, inviting reflection, sparking dialogue, and leaving an indelible mark on the viewer's consciousness. The juxtaposition of these visual narratives with the poetic and fictional works creates a rich and layered experience, demonstrating the interconnectedness of artistic expression and the enduring power of women's perspectives to illuminate our world.
