Bad Behavior by Mary Gaitskill, a collection of short
stories, is largely disappointing. When published in 1989 it was hailed and
trumpeted. Sadly, it is as if Gaitskill is outlining stories in most of these
pieces.
She never really gets deep into
her world. She just skim along the
surface. This collection is supposed to
be a penetrating (sorry) exploration of erotic life, but again, Gaitskill does
not offer anything new or solid. We just
skim and swim in cliche.
There are moments of solid storytelling in “Heaven” and we
get close to balance in “Secretary,” but Gainskills just can’t follow through. She fouls any solid premise she worked to create with a lack of
clear narrative vision.
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