Licking Our Wounds

It's realy hard to find lesbian fiction that is well written and entertaining, but D'Haene accomplishes both of these tasks. I really enjoyed reading this book, and have read it several times since my first reading, and it's still just as good as the first time. The story is a moving and emotional one, sprinkled with humor. I HIGHLY recommend it. If you love Jeannette Winterson, you'll love Elise D'Haene.

Licking Our Wounds is a provactive, soul-wrenching novel that tells the story of Maria as she is faced with loss on innumerable levels - loss of love, friendship, life, past, and center. It is compelling, not simply because of D'Haene's magical gift for expression, but because it tells the story of the human collective. Everyone can identify with Maria and feel her hurt, remorse, emptiness, and ultimately triumph. If you're looking for a very well-written, meaningful story, Licking Our Wounds is the way to go.

Elise D'Haene's Maria lets us tag along on an insightful, hilarious, profound journey through coming of age and loss: loss of innocence, loss of idealism, loss of the perfect woman; and leads us, ultimately, into wholeness. One doesn't have to be a lesbian to identify with Maria - we have all had our "Cup" who-never-runneth-over. Like most of us, Maria participates in life as a respondent, never quite setting the agenda, but rather trying to manage and cope with every wild twist that is thrown her way. Although we don't exactly feel dispair at Maria's plight, we certianly squirm at the familiarity of her situation. And we laugh - because the best part of Licking Our Wounds is Elise D'Haene's exceptional wit. Clearly, D'Haene is a born wordsmith who is entertaining herself at the same time she is entertaining us. This is one helluva good, compelling read. Plan on finishing it in one sitting - then plan on having it linger long after it is read