Secretary

A young woman takes a job as a secretary at a law firm after dropping out of college. Her employer, a middle-aged attorney, begins subjecting her to unusual forms of discipline and correction when she makes typing mistakes. The story follows their evolving dynamic in the workplace as boundaries blur between professional and personal relationships. Both characters grapple with questions of power, consent, and their own complex motivations. The narrative explores themes of dominance and submission, self-discovery, and the intersection of shame and desire. Through its frank examination of taboo subjects, the book challenges conventional ideas about workplace dynamics and intimate relationships.

Readers appreciate Gaitskill's raw, unflinching portrayal of sexuality and power dynamics. Many note her precise prose and ability to explore complex psychological terrain without judgment. The book resonates with readers who connect with themes of self-discovery and workplace dynamics. Positive reviews highlight: - Sharp character observations - Honest treatment of taboo subjects - Clean, direct writing style - Psychological depth Common criticisms: - Too short at 64 pages - Characters feel cold or unsympathetic - Some find the tone detached - Plot moves slowly for some readers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 3.7/5 (140+ ratings) One reader noted: "Gaitskill captures the complexity of power and submission without sensationalism." Another criticized: "The characters remain at arm's length, making it hard to invest emotionally." The 2002 film adaptation brought new readers to the book, though many note significant differences between the two versions.

Bad Behavior by Mary Gaitskill The characters navigate dark sexual encounters, power dynamics, and urban alienation through interconnected short stories set in 1980s New York.

The Piano Teacher by Elfriede Jelinek A repressed piano teacher enters a sadomasochistic relationship with her student while grappling with control and self-destruction.

Tampa by Alissa Nutting A female middle school teacher pursues sexual relationships with male students while maintaining her outward appearance of normalcy.

In the Cut by Susanna Moore A writing professor becomes entangled with a detective during a murder investigation that explores erotic obsession and danger in New York City.

The Story of O by Pauline Réage A woman surrenders herself to a series of increasingly intense sexual experiences at a private chateau while examining themes of submission and identity.

🖋️ The novel was adapted into a 2002 film starring Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader, but the movie's plot significantly deviates from the original short story. 📚 "Secretary" was originally published as a short story in the collection "Bad Behavior" (1988), which was Gaitskill's literary debut. 💭 Mary Gaitskill wrote the story while working as a word processor in the 1980s, drawing from her own experiences as a temp worker in New York City. 🌟 The book explores themes of power dynamics and sexuality in a way that was groundbreaking for its time, helping pave the way for more open literary discussions of BDSM relationships. 📖 Despite the film adaptation's romantic ending, the original story maintains a darker, more ambiguous tone that reflects Gaitskill's characteristic exploration of complex human relationships and power struggles.