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Lust & Other Stories |
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Lust & Other Stories by Susan MinotRandom House - Vintage Books 147 pages, August 2000 [Reprint edition - First published in 1989] ISBN 0375709258 Reviewed by Zaheera Jiwaji Read our review of Monkeys Despite its provocative title, Susan Minot's Lust & Other Stories speaks more of the soul's hunger than of the body. All twelve stories in this collection are concerned with the terrifying hopelessness and loneliness felt within empty relationships. In her unique style, Minot shows us the complex nature of social expectations, paired with unrequited longing and desire. What are we longing for, she asks, and what is the fear that propels us to attach ourselves to something or someone. The narrator of the title short story recounts her romantic and sexual history in a poignant monologue, as she tells of her search for personal fulfillment through various relationships. Yet with each man, she is left more lonely than before. Minot articulates the depth of loneliness in modern society which promotes the damaging notion that happiness, particularly for women, lies in finding the right relationship. In another story entitled The Swan in the Garden, Evelyn tries to engage Albert unsuccessfully in a discussion of where their relationship is heading. Minot captures the quiet dread in Evelyn, a woman who needs more from her relationship, yet who remains powerless because she will not be granted a voice. Minot's strength is her ability to observe human behavior and to convey deep emotions with well-chosen words and descriptions. Lust & Other Stories, Minot's second work following the much acclaimed Monkeys, is another reminder of her talent. |
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