The Ravishing of Lol Stein

An exceptional novel which can be enjoyed as a story or as a case study in how human beings who have been traumatized often have a need to repeat the trauma (in this case losing her beloved to another woman, this time with the action under the person's control

This book is technically great, I just personally didn't connect with the narrative until almost the end. On a good note, however, the text is a quick read. I read the majority of the book in an hour, and 30 pages alone in about 45 minutes, so if you get assigned this book for class and end up hating it (as I did), be happy knowing it's a very quick read. It is slightly reminiscent of Lolita in that it deals with sexual desire, personal desire, gaze, perception, and control. If that makes you uncomfortable, it's probably best not to read it.

The elaborate and descriptive narrative created a growing tension which continually tweaks the readers interest. There is the darkness of mind that stays just out of reach. But in the end the narrator does not let the reader down.Only disappointing thing was the updated cover design upon reordering.

A great story. Am glad I read this author who I only recently learned about in a NY Times review of The Lover.

Superb writing.

Interesting character study and meditation on trauma.

Not as compelling as her other books. I'd stick to The Lover and The North China Lover.

Terribly boring. Flat characters. Tedious happenings.

Loved it, love her writing style and story world.

Uma obra prima sobre o amor, o feminino, a loucura.A poética e a beleza da narrativa de Marguerite Duras são maravilhosas.