Trash: Stories

by Dorothy Allison
Trash: Stories cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Thriller/Suspense
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Technical
  • ID: 1871
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780006547600
  • Published: 1995-01-01
  • Reviews: 4

Trash is a gripping tale set in a sprawling Third World megacity, where three boys—Raphael, Gardo, and Rat—scavenge for a living. Their lives take a dramatic turn when they discover a mysterious bag hidden among the trash. The bag contains valuable items, including a key, a map, and a letter that could implicate a powerful politician in a heinous crime. The boys must navigate the dangerous streets and evade corrupt authorities to uncover the truth. Their journey is filled with suspense, danger, and the unbreakable bond of friendship that keeps them going. /n/nThe novel explores themes of poverty, corruption, and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a powerful story that highlights the stark contrast between the rich and the poor, and the lengths people will go to for survival. Trash is a compelling read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Reviews
Epilogue Books Cafe · 2025-10-24
captivating 4.75

The book resonates with uncompromising candor and incandescence, captivating readers and winning a devoted following. It is praised for its powerful and raw storytelling.

The review from Epilogue Books Cafe highlights the uncompromising candor and incandescence of Dorothy Allison's 'Trash: Stories'. The collection is noted for its powerful and raw storytelling, which captivates readers and wins a devoted following. The stories delve into themes of survival, struggle, and resilience, making them a compelling read. The reviewer appreciates the emotional depth and vivid portrayal of tough women, which adds to the collection's impact.

Quick quotes

    A book that resonates with uncompromising candor and incandescence, Trash is sure to captivate Allison's legion of readers and win her a devoted new following.

    The collection contains 15 stories about tough women weathered by hard times and the business of survival.

    Sex, food, health, love, and loyalty are all explored with raw and powerful storytelling.

Hardcover.app · Arielle · 2025-10-10
haunting 4.00

The stories are intense and impactful, though repetitive at times.

Arielle finds the stories gritty and shocking, yet fantastic. While the themes are intense, some stories feel repetitive, focusing on similar themes of struggle and resilience. Overall, the book leaves a strong emotional impact.

Quick quotes

    These stories are gritty, shocking, and depressing, but hell, are they fantastic.

    Occasionally they get repetitive, since they're all centered around the ...

Richard Jespers' Blog · Richard Jespers · 2025-10-10
powerful 4.50

The reviewer finds the book powerful and unflinching, highlighting its raw emotion.

Richard Jespers describes the book as powerful, with raw emotion that grabs attention. The stories are unflinching, making readers confront tough realities head-on. The quote reflects themes of self-worth and struggle, showcasing Allison's bold storytelling.

Quick quotes

    Allison swings for the rafters with this one: "Poor white trash I am sure. I eat shit food and am not worthy. My family starts with good teeth but loses them ..."

Goodreads · 1988-09-01
glowing 4.50

The book is praised for its candor and emotional impact, likely to attract both existing fans and new readers.

This powerful book resonates with uncompromising candor and incandescence, captivating Allison's loyal readers and winning her new followers. It's a testament to her ability to craft stories that deeply affect her audience.

Quick quotes

    A book that resonates with uncompromising candor and incandescence, Trash is sure to captivate Allison's legion of readers and win her a devoted new following.

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