Reading for Sexual Deviants [part 1]

Henry Miller & Anais Nin (from the film, Henry & June)

I’m in the middle of my first Anaïs Nin reading experience– Henry and June. As I read it and take delight in her writing style, the romantic relationships she has, it crosses my mind that some of my fondest and most memorable reading experiences come from great pieces of literature…. about sexual deviancy.

Anaïs Nin kept journals of her life, and Henry and June focuses on a one year span of her life during which she has an affair with author Henry Miller and his wife June.  Nin’s writing style (in her journals) reminds me a bit of two of my favorite authors: Jeanette Winterson and Francesca Lia Block. There’s something about the style that is sweet and smooth like honey on your tongue, with language that dances and tickles in your mouth like champagne.

It’s amazing to see how her relationship with her own husband is enhanced by her affair with Henry, how her relationship with June consumes both her and Henry, how her love with Henry calms them in the center of a storm…. I can see even from her journals why Nin is considered an erotic writer, because even the language of lovers whispers in to your ear, and one could only hope for a life a fraction so passionate… (Note: I picked up Delta of Venus and Little Birds, quickly skimmed a few shorts, and was kind of disappointed to just find short stories about sex.)

Story of O (Histoire d’O) by Pauline Reage was sent to me by a girl friend while I was writing my senior thesis in undergrad.  It’s one of those books that manages to titillate you, confuse your mind, and push you well outside of your comfort zone.  The Story of O is about a young Parisian woman and chronicles her relationship and submission to a Réné.  Her relationship with him leads her to be shared with an elite group of men involved in S&M, where she eventually undergoes body modification and objectification.

It’s been years since I’ve read this story, but I remember it being not for the faint of heart.  This book deals with true submission and bondage, both emotional and physical, and if I recall correctly, leads to severe body mutilation (and maybe even death?) as part of their sexual exploits.  It’s an incredible read, no doubt, but will undoubtedly lead you feel dazed and overwhelmed.

Jules et Jim may undoubtedly be my favorite read (and film!) on the list.  It centers on two men–best friends–and the woman who consumes their hearts, Catherine.  The book is semi-autobiographical (perhaps a fictionalized retelling) of the author’s life, and is a quick, clear read.  While the film ends tragically, the book is an intriguing and, at times, a heartwarming look at a polyamorous lifestyle.  It’s trials, tribulations, the quandaries and blissful moments.   What makes it so unique is that so many characters do hold such an integral part of the story, and you become so invested in each character.

(Also, the film is worth seeing due to its influential role in film history, particularly nouvelle vague cinema– if you watch it, you’re bound to find a dozen references you’ve known in pop culture.)

An Aside–A lesser known fact about me: it was after viewing Blue Velvet in film class (and having recently seen Secretary) that I got really curious about visions of bondage and sado-masochism in film.  After a short paper comparing the two, I switched the topic of my senior thesis from Shakespeare to a literary and cinematic evaluation of French and American interpretations of “sexual deviancy.”

Needless to say, it’s a topic I’m surprisingly intrigued and passionate about…it’s not unusual for someone coming in to my house to ask why I have large books on pornography (or for even the fella to suddenly look up and say, “Why do you have books by the Marquis de Sade?” after I’ve owned it for many years)

I’d love to one day write a film theory book exploring the topic in film & literature adaptations across the world…

See Part 2 here.