Book Review Summary: Violation: Collected Essays

Introduction

"Violation: Collected Essays" by Sallie Tisdale is a collection of essays that spans over 30 years of the author's writing career. It covers a wide range of subjects, from the biology of flies to the experience of working in an abortion clinic, exploring themes of the body, family, and human relationships. Tisdale's writing style is characterized by her questing curiosity, her unwillingness to settle for easy answers, and her ability to find ambiguity and wonder underneath ordinary events. This article will provide an overview of the book, analyze common opinions among readers, and summarize the reasons for both recommending and not recommending this collection of essays.

About Sallie Tisdale

Sallie Tisdale is an accomplished author known for her seven books on diverse subjects such as medical technology, her pioneer ancestors, and Buddhist women teachers. She has received numerous accolades for her writing, including a Pushcart Prize, an NEA Fellowship, the James Phelan Literary Award, and the Dorothy and Arthur Shoenfeldt Distinguished Writer of the year. Her work has appeared in prestigious publications like Harper's, The New Yorker, and Antioch Review. Tisdale's writing is characterized by her deep exploration of the human condition and her ability to find profound meaning in everyday experiences.

Analysis of Views

1. Wide-ranging subject matter: Readers praise Tisdale's ability to tackle a wide range of subjects in her essays. From the biology of flies to the experience of working in an abortion clinic, she delves into various aspects of life that are often overlooked or taken for granted. This broad scope keeps readers engaged and allows them to gain new perspectives on familiar topics.

2. Body-centered writing: Tisdale's focus on the body and its experiences resonates with readers. Her essays explore the physical aspects of life, such as birth, movement, decay, and death. She also considers how other organic beings share our planet and finds profound meaning in their rituals. This body-centered approach allows readers to reflect on their own physicality and connect with the natural world.

3. Elliptical writing style: Tisdale's writing style is characterized by its elliptical nature, shifting between gradations of tone and register. She attends to the way time is experienced on the page and in life, creating a sense of continuity between the essays. This approach allows readers to immerse themselves in the flow of ideas and appreciate the subtle transformations that occur over time.

4. Compelling essays: Readers find individual essays within the collection to be particularly compelling. "Chemo World," for example, touches on motherhood, sports, and mortality with honesty and sensitivity. The essay "Sutra of Maggots and Blowflies" delves into the intricate relationships between life and death, offering a unique perspective on these themes. Each essay offers a fresh perspective on its respective topic, making the collection as a whole highly engaging.

5. Honesty and introspection: Tisdale's essays encourage readers to reflect on their own lives and experiences. She addresses questions about the nature of self, intimacy, loneliness, and the limitations of language in expressing complex emotions. Her honesty and vulnerability in sharing her own thoughts and experiences make readers feel seen and understood.

Reasons for Recommendation

1. Profound insights: Readers appreciate Tisdale's ability to delve into profound philosophical questions while maintaining a grounded perspective. Her essays offer unique insights into life's complexities and provide readers with a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.

2. Engaging writing style: Tisdale's writing style captivates readers from start to finish. Her elliptical approach keeps readers engaged and allows them to appreciate the subtle nuances of her ideas. The breadth of topics covered in the collection ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy and reflect upon.

3. Thought-provoking content: Tisdale's essays challenge readers to think critically about their own beliefs and assumptions. They encourage self-reflection and introspection, allowing readers to gain new perspectives on familiar topics. The collection as a whole provides a thought-provoking exploration of life's essential questions.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

1. Elusive style: Some readers find Tisdale's writing style elusive or difficult to follow. Her elliptical approach can leave them feeling disoriented or unsure of her intended meaning. This elusiveness may not appeal to readers who prefer more straightforward or linear writing styles.

2. Lack of closure: Unlike many essay collections, "Violation" does not provide clear conclusions or resolutions to its essays. This lack of closure can be disconcerting for readers who prefer neatly wrapped-up narratives or explanations. However, it is precisely this absence of closure that allows Tisdale's writing to remain open-ended and allow readers to draw their own conclusions from her ideas.

Conclusion

"Violation: Collected Essays" by Sallie Tisdale is a thought-provoking collection that explores life's essential questions through a wide range of subjects. Tisdale's writing style captivates readers with its elliptical nature and profound insights into the human condition. While some readers may find her style elusive or lacking closure, others appreciate her ability to challenge their beliefs and encourage introspection. Overall, "Violation" is highly recommended for those seeking a collection of essays that delves into life's complexities and offers fresh perspectives on familiar topics.