Damage

Rating:
Summary: Captures the essence of erotic passion
Review: Damage is a stunning work of fiction which captures the transformative, compelling power of passionate love. Few authors can portray that ellusive state of suspended animation which anticipates catastropic change. Stephen is completely unaware of the banality of existence that he finds himself in; a state neither alive nor dead. When he meets Anna, his perception undergoes a gestalt-type shift and he at once realizes that things can no longer be as they were. Anna's own warning to Stephen - beware damaged people, for they are the ones who survive - sums up the theme of this novel, in which passion is cast in terms of power and actions inevitablely lead to irreversible and tragic consequences. Reading this novel is analogous to watching a car accident: morbid facination prevents you from looking away, ever aware of the compulsion that it could be you at the wheel at that pivitol moment when the illusion of control is shattered.

Rating:
Summary: Fun and enlightening.
Review: A very successful man becomes obsessed with his son's fiancee, and the affair ultimately destroy both his son and himself, with obvious collateral damage. I loved this book. The style is of a nineteenth century novel - or as many readers have pointed out, Nabakov's Lolita. Some of the ruminations/observations are not to be taken seriously, but are often fun; Damage is a quick, easy and fun read. At the same time, the book is an honest, enlightening treatment of several aspects of human relationships: obsession, of course; an alienated life; a marriage which is fulfilling for one partner even as she is aware of its limitations. The femme fatale is intriguing, and I am not sure whether to take her seriously nor how: she seems to renounce guilt and responsibility, yet she is apparently driven by the psychological trauma to which she has been exposed.

Rating:
Summary: A Mirror's Reflection in the Dark
Review: This is probably my favorite modern novel. What I love and find most disturbing is the emotional struggle that the main character (Stephen Fleming) finds himself in. As a married man, with a beautiful wife who I love immensely, and twin 18 month old boys, I can appreciate the honesty that Stephen's character portrays. Despite my obvious fortune, I too can see the power another woman can yield. The gamble in itself is intoxicating yet frightful in its consequences. Though I don't know if I would ever give in to the struggle, I can see why Stephen ultimately does. The love he has for his perfect life and family are no match for the obsession he has for Anna. This book is much more than a story of one man's betrayal. It's beauty and value lie in the detail the pages reveal of the struggle itself -- The constant back and forth which engages a mind trying to rationalize and convince itself that it can cheat betrayal's ultimate fate. Even in it's darkness, this is ultimately a love story. And despite it's tragic end, I believe that Stephen comes to find himself.