A collection of stories by the author of the critically acclaimed Runaway: Diary of a Street Kid draws on her shocking, seductive memories of the dark underside of life to probe the lives of women on the edge of society, sexuality, and sanity.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
The pursuit of pleasure through pain is a mystery to many, but Lau, in her stark and disturbing stories of sadomasochism and prostitution, makes it comprehensible, arousing our compassion in place of disgust. A Canadian, Lau translated her experiences as a teenage prostitute and drug addict into the best-selling Runaway: Diary of a Street Kid. Here she delves further into the rage and gnawing emotional hunger that lead men and women to violent sexual extremes. Lau's narrators are drained of all emotion except loneliness and the desire for the frisson of clarity that physical pain ignites. In one tale, a dominatrix changes from her work clothes, black leather and spikes, to white lace and pink ribbons only to suffer the humiliation of being jilted by her married lover. An 18-year-old lets a pill-pushing psychiatrist hurt her; two young women watch a flogging at an S&M club, another whips herself with a chain. Lau conjures this claustrophobic, visceral, and wrenchingly human realm with glass-clear eyes and a steady hand, and we reel with the terrible beauty of her vision. Donna Seaman
Lau's ten short stories depict both emotional and physical pain. They all involve young women working as prostitutes in Vancouver, Canada, many of whom are emotionally involved with older married men and are suffering in their relationships. The feelings of the women toward their clients and toward their lovers are shown with honesty and clarity. Lau's stories also show the seamy side of life in the city. In "Fetish Night," a scene involving whipping and domination in a night club is described in detail. The title story, "Fresh Girls," portrays the feelings of the older women as they are replaced by newer, younger prostitutes. Although the subject matter is controversial, the stories are compelling and extremely well written. Recommended. [Lau's nonfiction Runaway: Diary of a Street was a best seller in her native Canada.-Ed.]-Stephanie Furtsch, New Rochelle P.L., N.Y.
--Stephanie Furtsch, New Rochelle P.L., N.Y.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
FREE
Within U.S.A.
Shipping:
FREE
Within U.S.A.
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: As New. No Jacket. Pages are clean and are not marred by notes or folds of any kind. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 0.65. Seller Inventory # G0786860588I2N00
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 0.65. Seller Inventory # G0786860588I4N00
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: SecondSale, Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Condition: Acceptable. Item in good condition. Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00068096386
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Bookmans, Tucson, AZ, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Good. minor shelf wear Satisfaction 100% guaranteed. Seller Inventory # mon0002414512
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: HPB-Diamond, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
paperback. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!. Seller Inventory # S_409818837
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Condition: Very Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # GRP85985055
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Half Price Books Inc., Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
paperback. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!. Seller Inventory # S_412072199
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: SatelliteBooks, Burlington, VT, U.S.A.
Paperback. Condition: Like New. Hardcover EDNT|First Edition near fine/near fine, Free of any markings and no writing. For Additional Information or pictures, Please Inquire. Seller Inventory # 9861
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Montclair Book Center, Montclair, NJ, U.S.A.
Trade Paperback. Condition: USED Good. Seller Inventory # 257962
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Colewood Books, San Francisco, CA, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Like New. 1st Edition. 1st American edition, 1st printing, Hyperion hardcover w/ DJ, 1995. Book is VG+, w/ clean text, binding so tight it has clearly never been read; remainder mark to bottom edge, very light wear to board's bottom edge. DJ is Near Fine, w/ very light edge/shelf wear. Free delivery confirmation. Seller Inventory # SKU1017346
Quantity: 1 available