Villa Fair: Stories

From the Library in Toronto where she works to the neighborhood in which she lives, Bernadette Dyer sees much go by representing Toronto's multicultural panoply. This clearly inspires many of the takes in "Villa Fair," her collection of short stories. Other tales in the book are the germinated seeds of her own multiracial, multiethnic Jamaican and Portuguese Jewish ancestry. The people in her stories mirror her own ancestors --emigrés from somewhere else, establishing roots in new lands, living through generational conflict fueled by the meeting of old with new, yet influencing the host country and/or culture which is richer for it, and will never be the same. For example, there's Kamla, the twenty-three-year-old Indian-Canadian narrator of "Driving Through Red Lights," in love with a young Canadian man, while promised to an arranged marriage with someone from India. A surprise ending has Kamla's parents and aunt facing cultural change on two continents. In "Segovia Nights," Carlos Fernandez captivates his listeners with legends, reinvented stories about a mythical family and past. The tall tales are indicative, however, of a far deeper problem. One senses that the author and librarian in the story are one. Jomo, from "An African Out in the Cold," is lost, then found again while visiting Toronto, as, unknown to him, his host has suffered a heart attack. His isolation and cultural shock are palpable. Then there are tales coming from the richness of the author's Jamaican memories. The story "Man Man" dances back and forth from spirit world to "reality," as the ghost of a drowned seven-year-old boy moves comfortably among the local people of a plantation, until a new anglo mistress comes to stay. Another from the Jamaican collection, "Ackee Night," show how a much aggrieved woman, whose man has threatened idly to leave for years, calls on a Jamaican culinary secret to keep him permanently from other women -- and herself. The ending takes the reader by surprise. The title story, "Villa Fair," also catches one off guard, yet this reader felt puzzled by its sharp, unredeeming ending. Is Thunder, the chief male character, destroyed as a punishment for straying from his promise? Does the exotic, the magical always win out over the more conventional path? "Leaving Faro," the final tale, is a paean to Dyer's Portuguese Jewish ancestors, who fled to Jamaica to escape persecution. The mythical and the magical touch many of the stories. "Close the Blue Door" tells of mermen who lure their chosen loves to disaster, while in "Six Little Sparrows," the same number of Pakistani children and their mother shape shift into the title. The author's Jamaica and Canada are pulsing, vibrant settings where her characters don't want racial barriers to exist. Her families are strong and loving, evidencing the blurred lines of racial identity. Several of the stories, such as "Man Man" and "Roberta on the Beach," satisfy

This sometimes whimsical, sometimes mystical, sometimes nostalgic, and always poignant collection of short stories, is definately more than "fair". Bernadette Dyer skillfully navigates the immigrant experience, which is the common thread that weaves it's way through this great collection. It's colourful characters grab hold of your heart, and leave you wanting more. My personal favorites are "Driving Through Red Lights", and "Remebering Serge". Ms. Dyers voice is obviously steeped in memory, passion, and a rich and diverse family history, which act as jumping off points for her vivid imaginings, which she shares with us in brilliant detail. A definate must read for short story lovers.

A wonderful book of short stories. A very talented writer, Bernadette Dyer takes you on many journeys and experiences. Her characters come alive. Good mix of heart-warming, mystical and romantic stories.I especially liked Six Little Sparrows, Close the Blue Door and Villa Fair. Villa Fair ended too soon for me - I wanted more. The story has the potential for a novel.Great stories for all age groups.

A collection of great stories. They are intriguing, historical and realistic. It dipicts the romantic, exciting and mystical side of life in the Caribbean. The stories keep the reader spellbound and eagar for more. I look forward to more from this gifted and talented author.

The first time I read the pages of this magical book, splendid thoughts of a tropical paradise aroused my senses. I was drifted into a time, place, and setting where both folklore and modern traditions intwined. It reminded me very much of the popular Hawaiian folklores that are told to both the young and old. Bernadette Dyer creates mystical yet vivid images in stories such as Close the Blue Door and Leaving Fargo. These elaborate images allowed me to journey into the hearts and desires of the characters and in doing so, I was able to take a deeper look into my own family traditions. Villa Fair contains marvelous tales that readers of all ages will enjoy.