February 19, 2025

INTELLECTUAL INK

A MAGAZINE FOR AVID READERS AND PROLIFIC WRITERS

BLACK HISTORY 365: The Gilda Stories

2 min read

By Jewelle Gomez

Black History Yesterday, Today, and Forever: Feb 3rd Jewelle Gomez – The Trailblazer of Black Queer Vampire Fiction

Jewelle Gomez changed the landscape of horror and fantasy with her groundbreaking novel, The Gilda Stories. First published in 1991, this feminist, queer reimagining of vampire mythology tells the story of Gilda, an escaped enslaved girl who is granted immortality but refuses to conform to the violent traditions of vampiric existence. Instead, Gilda chooses love, family, and ethical survival, offering a revolutionary take on the genre.

More than just an author, Gomez is an activist who infuses her work with themes of resistance, identity, and found family. Her influence reaches beyond literature into theater, poetry, and social justice.

Book Review: The Gilda Stories

Title: The Gilda Stories
Author: Jewelle Gomez
Publication Year: 1991
Genre: Horror, Fantasy, LGBTQ+ Fiction

A Vampire Story Unlike Any Other

Jewelle Gomez’s The Gilda Stories is a stunning reimagining of the vampire myth, told through the lens of Black feminist and LGBTQ+ identity. The novel follows Gilda, a runaway enslaved girl in 1850s Louisiana, who is taken in by a vampire family and granted immortality. But unlike traditional vampires who thrive on violence, Gilda rejects destruction, carving her own path based on love, healing, and community.

What makes The Gilda Stories stand out is its exploration of history. As Gilda moves through different eras—Reconstruction, the Harlem Renaissance, and a dystopian future—Gomez masterfully weaves themes of survival, oppression, and transformation. The novel is as much a meditation on the Black experience as it is a supernatural tale.

Why You Should Read It

  1. A fresh, thought-provoking take on vampire lore. 2. A deeply feminist, queer, and Afrocentric story that challenges genre norms. 3. Beautiful, poetic writing that lingers long after the final page.

The Gilda Stories is a must-read for fans of Anne Rice, Octavia Butler, and anyone looking for horror that dares to be different.

Rating: 5/5 – A timeless classic that redefines the vampire genre.

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