Rolling the R's

Read this book for class at Indiana University: Fictions of Empire. Much of this book was originally short fiction pieces published elsewhere. What fantastic poetry! Anyone who identifies with a sub-culture, is queer or is otherwise interested in finding alternative narratives in their life can look to this book for inspiration.

Linmark's Rolling the R's (1995) can be difficult because of its construction marked by a series of vignettes, each of them written in Pidgin English. However, if readers are interested in a Filipino-Hawaiian narrative, further punctuated by the protagonist's budding gay identity, then one might appreciate the humor as he makes references to Teen Beat, Charlie's Angels, and other cultural elements from the 70's. Linmark includes significant Catholic references, placing Filipino-Hawaiians against a backdrop of a diasporic history. Linmark is not afraid to use camp as a means of resisting the forces which plague his oppressed characters. Whether it is gay youth, battered wives, or well-meaning mothers advising their sons, these characters never escape that their religious traditions can sometimes hurt them more than offer genuine spiritual shelter. Linmark takes language and re-writes the traditional Catholic litany invoking other "cultural" saints as a means of protection while maintaining a playful spirit in his work. Even though a careful analysis might surface other unfortunate realities (molestation, domestic abuse, etc.), Linmark weaves them into the stories easily without apologizing for their presence. Finally, Linmark addresses the racism which exists in the local culture. In "They Like You Because You Eat Dog", Linmark illuminates in list form, the various ways in which people "like Filipinos" because they have sought to assimilate wherever possible. Linmark enjoys a gentle skewering when he concludes his list by asking directly whether their attempts to assimilate will really bring about any genuine acceptance. Although Linmark leaves his question open ended, he observes rather astutely that one cannot gain respect without a measure of considerable self-acceptance. Linmark's voice is authentic and unique yet never without some concern for the social injustices which he sees around him.

More of a series of vignettes than a novel. An entertaining quick read. Here, language is THE main character. Linmark's prose shows the dynamism of an acquired tongue.I wonder, though, if he can write in straight English.