A review by a_reader_of_book
This Is Pleasure by Mary Gaitskill

challenging emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

"This Is Pleasure" is a fictional analysis of the #MeToo movement and its impact on those accused and those who are friends with the accused. Mary Gaitskill's work was originally a piece for The New Yorker and is available, for free, to read online. This was a complicated read for me. I think it was incredibly thoughtful for Gaitskill to write from the perspective of sympathizers of the accused and how they deal with the conflicting emotions they feel in response to accusations and fallout surrounding their friend's transgressions. Specifically, Gaitskill highlights the internal struggle of a woman who is very close to the offending man. As with anything else in womanhood, it's really tough. I applaud Gaitskill for taking the time to consider the ramifications for all of us when anyone crosses a line. "This Is Pleasure" is a very quick read, and I think worth checking out.
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