I have been waiting a month for Eric Jerome Dickey's new novel "Pleasure". I have read every single book ever written by this man, and I'm sure I'm in intellectual love. His talent rides the short end of the stick all the way to his infinite wisdom (and sociological prowess) on the long end.
Each of his novels inspires me to write and continue to read every single day. I get sucked into his stories and savor each, next word voraciously. His women are sensual, uncommon beings. Unique and beautiful, his descriptions of them bring you right into their life as if you were their sisters or best friends.
I looked forward to this book with as much anticipation as the last dozen. I couldn't find it at the bookstore(s). The library didn't have a copy on hand and I finally ordered one and received it over the weekend. As I opened the first page I read, "Be careful Anais, abnormal pleasures kill the taste for normal ones". This is a quote from the film Henry & June, which told the love story of Anais Nin and Henry Miller and the demise of her purity as she was enveloped into the sordid relationships and lifestyle of Henry Miller. Note, the sultry June (Henry's other lover) was played by Uma Thurman, and it is one of her best performances ever - reminiscent of Betty Davis back in the day.
After I watched this film, I was drawn to Anais Nin and her life. Her writings and her motivation. She is a quiet soul with a dark spirit. Her writings are intense and at times difficult to understand due to the depth of her intent.
So, to be re-introduced to one of my favorite writers via an urban vehicle by my favorite contemporary writer was almost too much to bear. How could these two souls have anything in common? As different at New Orleans and Belgium, or are they really different at all? It has taken me 3 days to pick up the book again, because I am terrified that everything I admire about one of these writers will be unveiled as false. Or everything I believe in life will be revealed as truth.
We are all connected.
What I believe as the lifesource for all beings and visualize through writing and art and music is also seen by another being on this planet. Someone who thinks like me.
And the topic...this terrifies me as well.
To be continued...
