Damage

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.