Monday, January 29, 2018

Bad Behavior by Mary Gaitskill



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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