Mary Gaitskill
Mary Gaitskill is an American author known for her works of fiction, including novels, essays, and short stories. Her writing often explores themes of sexuality, emotional conflict, and the complexities of human relationships.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Veronica
The novel revolves around a woman named Alison, who was once a fashion model in Paris and New York during the 1980s. The story is told in a non-linear fashion, flashing back and forth between her glamorous past and her present life as a middle-aged, low-paid office worker suffering from Hepatitis C. She reflects on her complex and toxic friendship with the titular character, Veronica, an older, eccentric woman who eventually dies from AIDS. The book explores themes of beauty, youth, mortality, and the harsh realities of life.
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2. Bad Behavior
Stories
"Bad Behavior: Stories" is a collection of short stories that delve into the darker, often unexplored aspects of human relationships and behavior. The narrative navigates through the complex world of love, lust, power, and obsession, focusing on characters who are often marginalized or misunderstood. The stories provide a raw, unfiltered view of human nature, exploring themes of sexual deviance, emotional vulnerability, and societal norms.
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3. This Is Pleasure
In a narrative that deftly explores the complexities of human relationships and the gray areas of consent, the story unfolds through the perspectives of two friends, Quin and Margot. Quin, a charismatic editor, finds himself at the center of a scandal as accusations of inappropriate behavior surface, challenging the boundaries of his friendships and professional life. Margot, his long-time confidante, grapples with her own understanding of Quin's actions, reflecting on the nuances of their friendship and the broader implications of power dynamics in personal and professional spheres. Through their intertwined stories, the narrative delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the intricate dance of pleasure and pain in human connections.
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4. Don't Cry
In this poignant collection of stories, the author delves into the complexities of human emotions and relationships, exploring themes of longing, loss, and the search for connection. Each narrative is a vivid portrayal of characters grappling with their inner turmoil and the often harsh realities of life, revealing the raw and unfiltered nature of human experience. Through a blend of sharp prose and profound insight, the stories capture the delicate balance between vulnerability and resilience, leaving readers with a deep sense of empathy and reflection.
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5. Bad Behaviour
This collection of short stories delves into the complexities of human relationships, exploring themes of desire, power, and vulnerability. Set against the backdrop of 1980s New York, the narratives reveal the raw and often unsettling dynamics between men and women, capturing moments of intimacy, alienation, and longing. Through a series of vivid and unflinching portraits, the stories expose the darker undercurrents of modern life, offering a candid look at the emotional and psychological landscapes of its characters.
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6. Oppositions
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7. Two Girls, Fat And Thin
A taut, unsparing collection of stories that probes the fraught inner lives and intimate relationships of damaged, often marginalized people, particularly women. Through sharp, emotionally raw portraits—filled with desire, embarrassment, violence, addiction and power imbalances—the book confronts how need and shame shape sexuality, friendship and survival. The prose is cool, candid and darkly observant, exposing the messy contradictions of compassion and cruelty without easy answers.
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8. Lost Cat