Woman Still Alone (Press, 13 May 1989)

"Dancing With Strings," a novel by Frances Cherry, explores the complexities of relationships through the lens of a woman's experiences with both heterosexual and homosexual love. Published by New Women’s Press in 1989, the book spans 175 pages and is priced at $19.95 for the paperback edition. Brian Prendergast's review highlights the novel's examination of the emotional turmoil brought about by broken relationships, a theme familiar to New Zealand literature, yet Cherry presents it with fresh perspectives. The narrative primarily follows Katherine, who grapples with the disintegration of her marriage and seeks solace in a beach cottage. The first part of the novel reveals her struggles in solitude, as she learns to regain her confidence and eventually embarks on a brief love affair that reinvigorates her spirit. Cherry's portrayal of romantic encounters taps into raw human emotions, illustrating the mixture of risk and fear that accompanies love: “You feel younger, rejuvenated... allowing you to take risks without too much fear of the pain.” However, Katherine's newfound freedom is short-lived. Just as she begins to find her footing, she meets Dorothy—an assertive and vibrant woman who introduces her to a new realm of intimacy. This leads Katherine into a passionate but tumultuous relationship with Vanessa, a character who serves as both fascinating and destructive. As the novel unfolds, Katherine faces emotional upheaval that ultimately leaves her alone once more, though with a hopeful prospect of reuniting with Dorothy. Cherry's writing is characterised by a sharp and modern prose style that uses succinct sentences to convey emotional weight, merging past and present experiences skillfully. The dialogue often poses provocative insights about gender relationships and societal expectations, challenging readers to reflect on the nature of love and companionship. Quotes such as “Sex is all you want from men. You get friendship and all the rest from women,” encapsulate the book's exploration of the distinctions between physical and emotional connections. The narrative delves into the philosophical aspects of love, echoing sentiments from C.S. Lewis’s “The Four Loves,” which encourages maintaining a sense of humour in romantic pursuits despite their inherent complexities. Cherry's exploration of these themes reflects the challenges that can arise particularly in intense homosexual relationships, underscoring the potential for disaster when passion overshadows reason. Overall, "Dancing With Strings" is portrayed as a well-crafted debut that combines existential musings about love with realistic portrayals of the struggles women face in their searches for connection and identity. Cherry's work stands out in the New Zealand literary landscape by offering a thoughtful and daring exploration of life's emotional intricacies.

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