The Bluelight Corner: Black Women Writing on Passion, Sex & Romantic Love

Stories of abortions, unhappy marriages and teenage pregnancy appear alongside tales of sexual discovery or lesbian karate and an ode to Aretha Franklin in this rich and very varied collection edited by Robotham (Zachary's Wings). Included are such classics as Gloria Naylor's ""Etta Mae Johnson,"" about a traveling preacher-man who romances, then dashes; Edwidge Danticat's ""Night Woman,"" a touchingly solemn tale of a prostitute and her concern for how her profession will affect her young son; Tina McElroy Ansa's ""Love,"" an otherworldly story about a romantic interlude with a waltzing ghost; and Jamaica Kincaid's gorgeously written description of an island affair, ""Roland and Xuela."" Stories also appear from such luminaries as bell hooks, Rita Dove, Ntozake Shange and Alice Walker. But there are lesser known writers represented here, too, and their work is wildly uneven: a flat story about a bitter reunion between lovers who had broken up over an abortion that was not mutually agreed upon (""Afraid of the Dark,"" by Valerie Wilson Wesley) is followed by an effervescent stunner (""Truth or Consequences,"" by Carolyn Ferrell) that relates a teenager's fatalistic angst about her pregnancy. Though many of the works have been previously published, most retain their freshness and power, and gain resonance in this new context. Agent, Carter Shaw. (Dec.) FYI: Robotham is an editor-at-large at Essence.