Quick Take

Bastard Out of Carolina, nominated for the 1992 National Book Award for fiction, introduced Dorothy Allison as one of the most passionate and gifted writers of her generation. Now, in Two or Three Things I Know for Sure, she takes a probing look at her family's history to give us a lyrical, complex memoir that explores how the gossip of one generation can become legends for the next.Illustrated with photographs from the author's personal collection, Two or Three Things I Know for Sure tells the story of the Gibson women -- sisters, cousins, daughters, and aunts -- and the men who loved them, often abused them, and, nonetheless, shared their destinies. With luminous clarity, Allison explores how desire surprises and what power feels like to a young girl as she confronts abuse. As always, Dorothy Allison is provocative, confrontational, and brutally honest. Two or Three Things I Know for Sure, steeped in the hard-won wisdom of experience, expresses the strength of her unique vision with beauty and eloquence.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Two or Three Things I Know for Sure

Introduction

"Two or Three Things I Know for Sure" by Dorothy Allison is a memoir that delves into the author's family history, exploring the gossip and legends that shape the lives of generations. With its lyrical prose and raw honesty, Allison's writing captivates readers, taking them on a journey through the lives of the Gibson women and the men who loved, abused, and shared their destinies. In this article, we will analyze the book's views, summarize the reasons for recommendation and not recommendation, and conclude with a final assessment of this powerful memoir.

About Dorothy Allison

Dorothy Allison is an American writer, speaker, and member of the Fellowship of Southern Writers. Her work encompasses themes such as class struggle, child and sexual abuse, women, lesbianism, feminism, and family. Allison's first novel, "Bastard Out of Carolina," published in 1992, was one of five finalists for the National Book Award. She founded The Independent Spirit Award in 1998, recognizing individuals who have contributed to the independent bookstore and small press circuit. With her unique vision and passionate voice, Allison continues to captivate readers with her writing.

Analysis of Views

Provocative and Honest: Readers praise Allison's ability to confront difficult topics such as abuse and family dynamics with honesty and provocation. Her writing style is described as raw and unflinching, making it difficult to put down.
Beautiful Prose: Many readers appreciate Allison's lyrical prose, which adds depth and beauty to the stories she tells. Her use of language is praised for its ability to evoke emotions and create a vivid picture of her experiences.
Powerful Memoir: "Two or Three Things I Know for Sure" is considered a powerful memoir that explores the impact of gossip and legends on families. Readers find it moving and insightful, particularly in how it delves into the complexities of relationships and the resilience of the human spirit.
Exploration of Family History: The memoir offers a glimpse into the author's family history, providing readers with an intimate understanding of their experiences and struggles. This personal connection resonates with readers who value authenticity and relatability in memoirs.
Inspiring Voice: Allison's confident and inspiring voice throughout the memoir is highly regarded by readers. Her ability to find strength and resilience in her past experiences is seen as a source of inspiration for those facing their own challenges.

Reasons for Recommendation

Raw Honesty: Readers appreciate Allison's raw honesty in addressing difficult topics such as abuse and family dynamics. Her willingness to confront these issues head-on resonates with readers who value authenticity in literature.
Beautiful Prose: The lyrical prose used by Allison adds depth and beauty to the memoir, making it a pleasure to read. Her ability to evoke emotions through language is highly praised by readers who appreciate well-written prose.
Powerful Memoir: "Two or Three Things I Know for Sure" is considered a powerful memoir that explores the impact of gossip and legends on families. Readers find it moving and insightful, providing a deeper understanding of relationships and resilience.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Disjointed Structure: Some readers find the memoir disjointed and lacking in explanation, which can make it challenging to follow at times. The lack of closure in some stories may leave readers feeling unsatisfied or wanting more context.
Length Concerns: While the memoir is relatively short, some readers feel that it should have been longer to provide more depth and closure to the stories. They feel that more explanation would have enhanced their reading experience.

Conclusion

"Two or Three Things I Know for Sure" by Dorothy Allison is a powerful memoir that explores the gossip and legends that shape family histories. Through her lyrical prose and raw honesty, Allison captivates readers with her personal stories and provides insights into the complexities of relationships and resilience. While some readers find the disjointed structure and length concerns challenging, overall, the book is highly recommended for those seeking a powerful memoir that delves into difficult topics with beauty and eloquence.