The Other Side Of Desire: Four Journeys Into The Far Realms Of Lust And Longing (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
This was one of those iBookstore bargains that ended up as quite a pleasant surprise. The idea is that each of four sections focuses on a different kind of paraphilia: foot fetishism, sadism/masochism, pedophilia, and acrotomophilia (which is a new word I learned that means sexual interest in amputees). Although there's a little science, the book is a lot more lyrical and aesthetic than I expected, especially in the amputee chapter. I wasn't 100% comfortable with the way the author discussed pedophilia; a few of the narratives were a little too eroticized, I thought. Otherwise, though, I felt like this was a really interesting, nuanced, quick read. Using the stories of several different people with “unusual” or “extreme” sexual tendencies and/or desires, he examines what normality in sexuality from a psychological and neurological standpoint. As part of the book he follows The Baroness, a woman who obtains pleasure and deep satisfaction from inflicting severe pain onto others, a man with a debilitating lust for feet, and a man attracted to amputees. He succeeds in bringing out the human sides of these people, but at the same time examines the various perspectives that exist on how people come to their desires and how they are subsequently labeled normal or not. A fascinating and quick read for anyone interested in the subject!
What do You think about The Other Side Of Desire: Four Journeys Into The Far Realms Of Lust And Longing (2009)?
Too clinical. I thought it would have a fiction bend to it...it did not.
—SweetheartSharon
Fascinating stuff but much of it is not for the faint of heart.
—dj1111111
