Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, April 8, 1990 TAG: 9004080305
SECTION: HORIZON PAGE: F-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Reviewed by JOAN SCHROEDER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The endorsements for Sarah Gilbert's first novel are appropriately phrased: "as full of airy high spirits as a can of hair mousse"; "Her setting is so vivid you'll smell perming solution"; "a truly funny and hairy debut."
Set in the small town of Stuckey, S.C., "Hairdo" is indeed a funny book. Most of the action takes place in Miss Ruby McSwain's Celebrity Styling Shop, home to four very different hair stylists. There's Ruby herself, whose main goal in life is to put her rival, cousin Gladys Bessinger, out of business. And Yvonne, a Bible-toting, old-fashioned "up-do" specialist who wields a nasty can of hair spray.
The Great Thurston, proudly homosexual and the champion of the New Look, carries his blow dryer everywhere and is unashamedly stealing everyone's clients. Finally, there's recently fired Ronder Jeffcoat, whose only chance to regain her job is to preside over Stuckey's first bikini-wax boutique in the rear of Ruby's shop.
Sarah Gilbert knows the beauty world; she's been there. A former model and licensed cosmetologist, Gilbert writes from the inside with wonderful irreverence untainted by condescension. Sure, her characters are stereotypes. But all are lovingly and knowledgeably portrayed. Even the most skeptical readers living Way Up North will find themselves rooting for these folks as they prepare to compete in the "Olympics of Hair" - Atlanta's Southeast Hair Show.
It's hard to read "Hairdo" without recalling the film "Steel Magnolias." Without any hesitation, I'd recommend an evening with Sarah Gilbert's book over a night at the movies. "Hairdo" is less emotionally manipulative and a lot more fun.
by CNB