BLACK ISSUES BOOK REVIEW

Satin Doll

By Karen E. Quinones Miller

Simon & Schuster, July 2001,  $21.00
ISBN 0 -743-21433-1

  Satin Doll is the story of Regina Harris, a
woman who grew up in Harlem and makes
choices which lead to devious activities such as
shoplifting. But Regina is smart and ambitious
and eventually studies journalism. She embarks
on a career as a professional writer, yet her past
hinders her and creates conflict in how she
relates to new people she meets. She is
comfortable in the company of the elite, but it is
not uncommon for the "street" side of Regina to
emerge.  A major part of the story involves
Regina's homegirls (Puddin', Yvonne, and
Tamika), who present challenges to Regina
when issues like betrayal come into play, and it's
intriguing to see how she reconciles what she
used to be with who she has become.

The story is energetic, fast-paced and
provides intriguing action. Fresh metaphors
and similes, rather than cliches, would also have
greatly enhanced Satin Doll and, due to heavy-
handed foreshadowing, some of Satin Doll may
be predictable. But, from the mid-point to the
climax, Miller develops suspense that allows the
reader to experience interesting twists in a
storyline that hits on politics, romance and class
issues for a satisfying read.
                             -Reviewed by Cydney Rax
Cydney Rax is a writer who manages the BookRemarks web site.

July-August 2001