BOOK REVIEW: THIS IS PLEASURE

Mary Gaitskill provides a satisfying distillation of the complexities of the #MeToo era.

This Is Pleasure by Mary Gaitskill is a quick read that is unbelievably masterful in execution. The novella meditates on the uncertainties, contradictions, pain, damage, and confusing realities of #MeToo era-esq accusations. The entire story has been published by the New York Times and is available to read HERE.

When the story opens, we are introduced to two power players in the world of publishing Margot (M) and her dear friend Quinlan M. Saunders (Q). When the story opens, Q has multiple sexual misconduct accusations pending and is accused of generally being a creep by several of his many female acquaintances.

Margot and Q share a rapport based on camaraderie, support, and confessional intimacy. For instance, Margot recounts how Q spends time with her on the phone before every flight to quell her aerophobia- with their understanding of mutual emotional support being so well established that in one instance, when Q was unavailable to speak to her before a flight and she called her husband instead, he felt slighted.

But despite their closeness, there is no infidelity between them- both Margot and Q are in monogamous marriages. Margot set her boundaries early with Q when he once attempted to reach between her legs: NO! I said, and shoved my hand in his face, palm out, like a traffic cop….Looking mildly astonished, Quin sat back and said, “I like the strength and clarity of your ‘no’”. While Q remains married to a beautiful woman many years his junior who has grown increasingly frustrated with her husband’s flirtations over the years (she remarks that it would probably be less embarrassing if her husband were actually unfaithful instead of being an “idiot” who prances around mindlessly entertaining female acquaintances).

Through the lens of Q and M’s friendship, Gaitskill managed to explore the many ambiguities that were observed within the #MeToo era - is Q a creep or just overzealous and annoying? Is Margot complicit for still considering him her friend or is she to be commended for her loyalty? Who of Q’s accusors (who once welcomed his amiable company and enjoyed the many professional favors he doled out) are victims of exploitation and coercion? Who among them is merely joining in on the public scorn now that it’s politically expedient to do so? Is Q evil? Is he a delusional pervert? Or is he merely a product of a different time who has found himself blindsided by a new era of social mores he doesn’t understand and was never prepared for? Towards the end of the narrative, Q reflects that, “Women are now very into the victim story”- is that true or is he just really a predator? What does his confidence that the whole thing will blow over and his reputation and professional respect will soon be restored mean? Gaitskill does not resolve these difficult questions but provides a satisfying distillation of these complexities for readers to interpret on their own.

Rating: ★★★★★

Artwork by: me :)