Spanking New is told from a child’s point of view — from preconception through birth — and observes a heterosexual couple’s coming together, while surrounded by homosexual friends and relations. Touching on issues of bisexuality, hidden desires, coming to terms with oneself, death of friends in the war, joblessness, family, and more, this book is not only about lesbian and gay unrequited love, but also a heterosexual couple coming into their own with a new child. Giving a voice to the unborn child, Henderson takes us on the journey we all wish we could remember, from selecting our parents, to conception, and through the nine months to birth.
Avoiding the whimsicality that this theme might draw out, the narrator, Spanky, shares insights by both visually seeing the characters and looking into their minds. At first, the title seems misleading, although upon reading, the intended meaning is revealed later in story.
We all wonder what the unborn child thinks or remembers, and Henderson draws on her imagination to share what one child might think. Worries, hopes, dreams, desires, are all described ― not only by the future child, but also by all of those involved in the ever-changing relationships surrounding its family.
Hidden is useful for any collection where children are being considered, although the title might cause concern regarding censorship.
Reviewed by, [s.n.]