Deesha Philyaw is an American author and journalist. Her collection of short stories The SECRET LIVES of CHURCH WOMEN was a finalist for the 2020 Nat'l Book Award and winner of the PEN/Faulkner Award 2021. The collection spans four generations in the lives of seven women and their daughters who are connected through a literal sisterhood having being fathered by the same baby daddy though raised by their respective mothers. Their lives intertwine and parallel in their mother/daughter attachments and affiliations with church and its doctrines. There's a kinship amongst the women despite their conflicts, combustible sexual relationships with partners, major disappointments and varying devotion or resignation within the church. As unique and disparate individuals, their passions all burn incandescently. Thanks to Philyaw's lucid writing we're bestowed a vivd picture of their inner turmoils and strengths. The church acts as a central axis as their lives revolve around its influence. For some, the church is omnipotent. Some adhere fervently to its indoctrinations while others reject what they find as hypocritical or toxic causing fractures or irreparable disconnections. Regardless, these are all formidable women worthy of compassion. Our perceptions of their choices and behaviors are indelible given a clear understanding of who these women are and what they mean to one another. Men circumvent the periphery. Lasting commitments are forged amongst women or for some, a devotion to God. A profound story of two women referred to simply as "Mother" and "Daughter" retains a palpable sadness for an unrequited love between Daughter and Mother and Mother's unfulfilled life having been devoted to Christ. "Mothers raise their daughters and love their sons. But who ever loved Mama, besides her children? Despite her devotion to the church and chaste living. Mama had never had that peace that passes all understanding that was supposed to be yours when you invited Jesus into your heart. Nor did she have that joy, unspeakable joy, promised in the Scriptures. What Mama had was the love of Jesus-whose touch, Daughter imagined, was too ephemeral to quench anything." In another story a mother's love was overbearing. "But like a beautiful quilt in summertime, my mother's love was the suffocating kind, the kind you chafe against and don't miss until the seasons change and it's gone." Truths vigorously heralded in laments are unraveled with a gentle touch that makes this collection worth cherishing. "Sometimes wheels are set in motion long before the spark is manifest. Is that the same things as fate? I don't know, but I do now that rare, brilliant events take time". Make the time to revel in The SECRET LIVES of CHURCH WOMEN.
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