Issues

The 50 Issues Project
Issue #140

Issue Date: Fall, 2002
Editor: Marlene Cookshaw
Pages: 124
Number of contributors: 30

Buy Issue 140: Print Edition


Cover of issue #140

This issue opens with Jessica Grant’s astonishing Journey Prize-winning “My Husband’s Jump,” wherein a woman’s Olympic ski-jumping husband lifts off and never comes down, leaving her to counter the world’s doubts with her own leap of faith. The jury noted that Grant’s “skillful and playful language gave wings to the story and carried us away.” It should also be noted that this was her first published story.

Another husband and wife dynamic is at the heart of Valerie Compton’s touching story, “Words from a Book.” A speechless stroke victim struggles to re-connect with his wife, whom he fears is involved with a neighbour.
In “Suzy Saretsky,” by Kelly Cooper, the title character appears to be academically challenged—or just slow—but she can read people, especially men, with no trouble at all. Her method of communication may have left her with a few illegitimate children, but Suzy is a survivor who will find her own way to cope.

There is a remarkable line-up of poets rounding out this issue, including Sharon McCartney, Donna Kane, Robyn Sarah, Gordon Mason, Anne Compton, Anne Simpson, Desmond Graham, Lynn Davies, and Maureen Scott Harris.
This is a classic Malahat Review: smart, provocative, and engaging from start to finish.

—Rhonda Batchelor

About the 50 Issues Project

Have a look at our last featured issue, issue #135
Have a look at our next featured issue, issue #142