Nothing Natural

by Jenny Diski

Book Overview

'Nothing Natural centres with illuminating precision on a sado-masochistic relationship. Rachel is in her thirties, a single parent admired by her friends for her self-sufficiency . But when she meets... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671634593
• ISBN13: 9780671634599
• Release Date: January 1987
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Compelling reading and wonderful character development

I found this to be a powerful book that delved deeply into the life of a woman named Rachel who becomes involved in a sadomasochistic relationship with an emotionally distant man. Initially I felt the title referred to this s & m relationship. However, as the author reveals more of Rachel's life, it appears that there is nothing natural in her emotionally starved world. Her parents fought bitterly when she was a child. She struggles with paralyzing spells of depression and is incapable of emotional closeness. She is delightfully articulate and quick witted - an intelligent woman with a large share of emotional distress. We watch her spiraling deeper into a suicidal state and it takes a strong reader to maintain compassion. Finally her darkest hour passes, and the novel ends with her first steps towards a healthier self concept. Compelling reading and wonderful character development - a great first novel.