Rhoda: A Life in Stories

By Ellen Gilchrist

From National Book Award Winner Ellen Gilchrist, a pillar of Southern literature hailed by the Washington Post as “a national treasure,” comes all twenty-one of her beloved Rhoda stories, plus two new tales starring Rhoda Manning sure to thrill readers.“Rhoda is indeed the shining manifestation of Gilchrist’s wry, intelligent, and passionate writing.” –Kirkus ReviewFollow Rhoda Manning from eight to sixty as she grows from a spunky, impetuous child to a confident, free-loving writer. Even at a young age, Rhoda loves to get her way, boasting a unique spark that only shines brighter in an adulthood full of sex and excitement. From diet pills to multiple marriages and an abortion to far-reaching travels, Rhoda’s sass and desire for adventure will delight all who go on these journeys with her.“Prolific author Gilchrist has a winner in this delightful collection.” –Library Journal

• Language: English
• Publisher: Diversion Books
• Release date: Dec 18, 2018
• ISBN: 9781635763461

Ellen Gilchrist

Ellen Gilchrist (1935-2024) was author of several collections of short stories and novellas including The Cabal and Other Stories, Flights of Angels, The Age of Miracles, The Courts of Love, In the Land of Dreamy Dreams, Victory Over Japan (winner of the National Book Award), Drunk With Love, and I Cannot Get You Close Enough. She also wrote several novels, including The Anna Papers, Net of Jewels, Starcarbon, and Sarah Conley.

Reviews for Rhoda

[debnance_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I zipped through Rhoda yesterday and today and ended up liking Rhoda even more than Dreamy Dreams. Linked stories, with the same main character, almost a novel but not quite, is a fun idea. Even the little discrepancies between the stories (Just how old was Rhoda when she first got married, anyway? She is said to be twenty and nineteen and seventeen in various stories) add a feeling of authenticity to the book (Do you always remember just how old you were when you got married? I sometimes tell different people different ages.) Gilchrist's writing has a Hemingwayish feel to it, especially when she has Rhoda begin to write and when she has Rhoda fall in love. I loved Rhoda when she was a fearless child, was saddened by her in her twenties as she seemed to let life carry her along, but fell back in love with this character when she hit her fifties and began to be courageous again (I really really wanted her to meet up with the bullfighter...oh well.) Wonderful book.

[writerwoman_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I've read this more than once. She is one of my favorite characters.

[danielstj · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was an amazing assembly of stories tracing the life of Rhoda Manning, from her earliest inception, to her descent into being elderly. The stories read true, sometimes harsh, and unapologetic in their bearing. Most important, they feel real and imbued with life. There is much to be had here, especially since we are able to appreciate the formation-- and development, of Rhoda throughout the entirety of her life. This is something that I was very surprised I liked, but it was a welcome treat.4 stars. VERY impressive.

[pdebolt_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Ellen Gilchrist has skillfully interwoven stories that chronicle the life of Rhoda Manning from early adolescence to late middle age. Rhoda is the very definition of a narcissistic personality thrroughout her self-absorbed life, leaving in her wake bewilderment and harm to her husbands and children in her quest for immediate gratification. This book is very well written with a main character who is memorable for her lack of any redeeming qualities.