Gloria Vanderbilt has had a tremendous life, moving through all of the most elite circles in New York City, birthing a tremendous popular news force (Andersen Cooper) and at 85, has not slowed in the slightest. Obsession: An Erotic Tale showcases an author that does not conform to what most individuals would associate with those in the older generation, pushing hardcore sexuality into a critically appreciable position.
The book follows the actions that takes place after Talbot Bingham, an architect held in high regard, passes on. Priscilla, eir wife, is tapped to go through Talbot’s life possessions and finds a ground-shattering set of correspondence that would change the opinions of the community should they be let out. Vanderbilt gradually provides more information about this “other womanâ€, but never makes it clear exactly what position that this other person held in regard to Talbot and Priscilla. The tone of the different narratives that are present in Obsession seem to be well-distinguished, but Vanderbilt leaves open the possibility that Priscilla and this other individual are the same.
In the meanwhile, salacious and lurid details about the lovelife of Talbot come to the fore. While some of the details may be blush-inducing to the more shy set, I believe that Vanderbilt ensures that these descriptions are circumscribed by the limits of the average relationship help by two individuals in love. At 160 pages, readers will be able to complete the title in a weekend. However, this book is not one that will then gain a covering of dust: the tremendous prose and new story written here will ensure that this book is read again and again, both by the original purchaser or by those that that individual loaned the book out to. Vanderbilt has added author to eir titles, and I know if ey releases another title, that may name will be at the top of a preorder list.
Rating: 8.5/10
Obsession: An Erotic Tale (Book) / Gloria Vanderbilt / 2009 Harpercollins / 160 Pages / http://www.harpercollins.com
