Song for Anninho

Narrated by Almeyda, a fugitive slave woman in Brazil in the late 1600s, this book is a departure for Jones as it is written in the form of a narrative poem. Fans of her fiction - books such as CORREGIDORA and EVA'S MAN may like it, however, as it conveys all of the pain and anger that Jones does so well. There is a dearth of beautiful language in this book, but it is rich in emotion as Almeyda tells the tale of her breasts that were sliced off by a Portuguese soldier, of her lover, Anninho, lost and presumed dead, and of the yearning and desire that permeates her life. Throughout the long poem, there is an undercurrent of danger. Sex is dangerous. Love is dangerous. Men are dangerous. All are desired, yet they all bring pain. Black men seem necessary for black women's lives, and white men, are, of course, a kind of death sentence. Jones' poetry is at its best when she is writing of connections between women or when penning anything remotely sensual. Song for Anninho is a book to read when one is in need of a sorrow greater than one's own.

I am so glad Beacon published a new addition of this lovely book. It is so powerful, beautiful and rare. A gem like this should never be out of print.