Frank and honest
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Unsurprisingly, this is very frank and graphic in detail, but it's not really what I would describe as pornographic, despite the language used (yes, there are "unsavoury" euphemisms that perhaps aren't considered polite in company). Despite the fact that the author (and protagonist) has undoubtedly had many, many lovers over the years, it's written in such a way that it doesn't seem at all "dirty" in a way that it is often considered with double standards the way they are. Nor did I feel pity, as the way it's presented, there is nothing to pity. In fact, Millet comes across as a strong and independent woman who enjoys experimenting and pushing the limits. It's making for an intoxicating and titillating read!
I found that I could identify with some of Millet's feelings in certain situations, the way she described her relationship with the space around her.
There are one or two uncomfortable moments where she describes incidents in her childhood and early teens that suggest that her sexual life may have been coloured in response to them, but even these are presented in a matter-of-fact style, as if to say, "These things happen, but one moves on."
Although there are elements of Millet's life that make me feel very sad for her, I also admire her for her unashamed openness and bravery in revealing her inner self like this. I also think that many women might find a small part of themselves portrayed in this book, whether or not they'd publicly admit to it.
This is an intriguing exploration into self discovery and abandonment to the pleasures of the flesh.
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Not a lot of fun
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Catherine Millet has sex a lot, with lots of people, in lots of places and in lots of different positions. I have to say that I enjoyed this much less than Girl with a One-Track Mind; Millet takes herself very seriously, as a leading French intellectual and art critic, and doesn't really appear to be having much fun.
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Dire, Self-Absorbed Tripe
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This has to be the most self-absorbed book I've read since Prozac Nation. Agreed the sex scenes are very graphic, but even they are boring.
A very, very dull book.
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Challenge Yourself
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To criticise Catherine M's 'sexual autobiography' for being clinical or impersonal is to miss the point entirely. The beauty of The Sexual Life of Catherine M lies in these qualities. I found it to be a liberating and refreshing book. At times her narrative is undoubtedly clinical but this only serves to release the reader from the obligation to be turned-on by predictable erotic titillation or feel their narrator is undermined by desperate attempts to flirt with the reader.
I find a lot of supposedly feminist erotica difficult to stomach because it seems it is being addressed to an unacknowledged, omniscient male presence to whom the protagonist/writer must justify them self, arouse and charm. I never felt that Millet was angling her subject matter to hit where any reader would necessarily enjoy or understand it most - as is her right. Do all readers want to be pandered to and spoon-fed or challenged to experience something honest from a new perspective?
Millet has a talent for describing her moments of sexual prowess or insecurity in a way which never asks the reader to be an unintentional witness at the advertisement or exorcism of either. What she does is prove that she has explored her many facets thoroughly and honestly and therefore has the authority to take the reader on a journey through one person's powerfully autonomous sexual experiences.
Catherine Millet does not seek your approval, your arousal or your understanding. She is obviously a person who finds that sexual activity is an entertaining/cathartic tonic for an intelligent existential mind. I personally never completely aligned myself with her sexual stance - but why would I? I'm not her. Reading this book did, however, teach me how to bring more autonomy to my own.
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Interesting, if a struggle after a while
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I don't know - when you've decided to write a book about sex, it's bound to be a bit of a chore after a while, especially as she's chosen such an clinical style. Yes, the repitition of the sexual act so many times does drag, but there's quite a lot to interest too. Ultimately, I did find it rather interesting following the tireless Catherine going about her daily grind (no apologies for the pun). But as another reader has guessed, it all seems a bit more serious in French (I've only glanced at the translation). But I have to say that if you've not enjoyed this book - and even if you have - "One Hundred Strokes of the Hairbrush before Bed", by Melissa P. is a sight more dull, and rather less convincing. And if the Italian's that bad, God alone knows what the English translation will be like.
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Frank and honest
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Unsurprisingly, this is very frank and graphic in detail, but it's not really what I would describe as pornographic, despite the language used (yes, there are "unsavoury" euphemisms that perhaps aren't considered polite in company). Despite the fact that the author (and protagonist) has undoubtedly had many, many lovers over the years, it's written in such a way that it doesn't seem at all "dirty" in a way that it is often considered with double standards the way they are. Nor did I feel pity, as the way it's presented, there is nothing to pity. In fact, Millet comes across as a strong and independent woman who enjoys experimenting and pushing the limits. It's making for an intoxicating and titillating read!
I found that I could identify with some of Millet's feelings in certain situations, the way she described her relationship with the space around her.
There are one or two uncomfortable moments where she describes incidents in her childhood and early teens that suggest that her sexual life may have been coloured in response to them, but even these are presented in a matter-of-fact style, as if to say, "These things happen, but one moves on."
Although there are elements of Millet's life that make me feel very sad for her, I also admire her for her unashamed openness and bravery in revealing her inner self like this. I also think that many women might find a small part of themselves portrayed in this book, whether or not they'd publicly admit to it.
This is an intriguing exploration into self discovery and abandonment to the pleasures of the flesh.
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Not a lot of fun
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Catherine Millet has sex a lot, with lots of people, in lots of places and in lots of different positions. I have to say that I enjoyed this much less than Girl with a One-Track Mind; Millet takes herself very seriously, as a leading French intellectual and art critic, and doesn't really appear to be having much fun.
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