The Day and Night Books of Mardou Fox

by Nisi Shawl

In beautifully vivid journal entries, Black poet Mardou Fox chronicles her 1950s and ‘60s experiences with the Beat Generation--and her adventures in the mysterious, otherworldly realm “over the fence.” Characters based on star Beat authors like Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac fight alongside Mardou or battle against her as she challenges racism and sexism to win happiness, freedom, and respect for her work. Are the answers she’s seeking shrouded in the mists of magic? Inspired by the true story of Alene Lee, whose crucial role is often left out of Beat Generation lore.

Genres: Fantasy

120 pages, Paperback

Published October 15, 2024

About the author

Nisi Shawl is a founder of the diversity-in-speculative-fiction nonprofit the Carl Brandon Society and serves on the Board of Directors of the Clarion West Writers’ Workshop. Their story collection Filter House was a winner of the 2009 Tiptree/Otherwise Award, and their debut novel, Everfair, was a 2016 Nebula finalist. Shawl edited Bloodchildren: Stories by the Octavia E. Butler Scholars (2013). They coedited Strange Matings: Science Fiction, Feminism, African American Voices, and Octavia E. Butler (2013).

Reviews

[Ka'i NeSmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

My expectations were completely useless here.

[Michelle Engel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d be curious to see what I could learn about the historical inspirations of this book. Not sure how that would impact my feelings about it? I don’t think you could unravel its mysteries that way.

Is “Mardou” an unreliable narrator? Or can she and others like her alter space and time? I think the text supports both arguments, but maybe leans toward a magical perspective.

The bits of poetry and bonus storytelling are especially enjoyable. And I loved that the author begins with the protagonist’s childhood, then plunges us into adulthood, with a long narrative gap.

Another library find. So worth it.

[Shannon Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short book but a powerful one about a writer’s life, loves, magic and voice and choice. A book of and about poetry and about a time and place in American history. It’s a wonderful book and I’ll probably reread it to catch details I missed on my first read.

The author was my teacher at a writing workshop years ago so I’m far from biased when it comes to their work. I greatly enjoyed this book and treasure my signed copy.

Highly recommended especially if you know a little bit about the Beats.

[Josie Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting book. Very quick read. Finished in a day. I was definitely intrigued by the beginning and excited to figure out the narrator's mysterious experiences. I think the symbolism gave the book a satisfying ending, that that one cannot steal what they don't know exists-- but I was wanting a little bit more literal explanation on how exactly the narrator was magic and what exactly was going on. I was left with some questions. Pleasant read.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this reclaimed history of a Black woman beat poet moving through life, fighting for herself and her loved ones, and becoming grounded in her magic.