“Now and again, one could detect in a childless woman of a certain age the various characteristics of all the children she had never issued. Her body was haunted by the ghost of souls who hadn't lived yet. Premature ghosts. Half-ghosts. X's without Y's. Y's without X's. They applied at her womb and were denied, but, meant for her and no one else, they wouldn't go away. Like tiny ectoplasmic gophers, they hunkered in her tear ducts. They shone through her sighs. Often to her chagrin, they would soften the voice she used in the marketplace. When she spilled wine, it was their playful antics that jostled the glass. They called out her name in the bath or when she passed real children in the street. The spirit babies were everywhere her companions, and everywhere they left her lonesome - yet they no more bore her resentment than a seed resents uneaten fruit. Like pet gnats, like phosphorescence, like sighs on a string, they would follow her into eternity.”
Quote by Tom Robbins
Work
The title presents a striking combination of contrasting concepts. The word fierce indicates sharpness of will or intensity of spirit, while invalids suggests persons affected by illness or physical weakness. The phrase home from hot climates implies a journey undertaken to warmer territories and subsequent return, potentially alluding to historical practices of seeking healing in tropical environments. The title's poetic construction suggests metaphorical rather than literal meaning, with the juxtaposition of fierce determination against physical frailty creating a memorable and symbolic phrasing. The language hints at questions of health, place, and identity without specifying particular characters, settings, or narrative events. more
Author
Tom Robbins (born July 22, 1936) is an acclaimed American novelist known for his whimsical, philosophical, and often surreal storytelling. His works blend pop culture, Eastern spirituality, and countercultural themes, with notable titles including 'Another Roadside Attraction' and 'Even Cowgirls Get the Blues'. Born in North Carolina, Robbins worked as a journalist and art critic before turning to fiction. His novels are celebrated for their linguistic playfulness, eccentric characters, and profound meditations on love, freedom, and the human condition. Though not a recipient of major literary prizes, he has cultivated a devoted global readership and influenced generations of writers. He remains a distinctive voice in contemporary American literature. more
You May Also Like
“A verdade é que eu tinha dedo podre, tanto para escolher amigas quanto para escolher amores.”
“In life, storms come not to hurt you but to make you stronger.”
“Technically, you were not my patient when I tried to stab you.”