Seconds of Pleasure: Stories delivers all that title promises. Ranging from sweet to sweat-soaked and playful to perverted, this book takes you on an unforgettable ride through erotica.
“Ravishing” is the most disturbing story in the book, so revolting yet so matter-of-fact that it is chilling in its believability. On the opposite end of the spectrum, “Look at Her” is gently sweet as it provides a glimpse into the male animal and how he views a room with several women in it - which one he finds attractive and why and whether or not guys get nervous about meeting new women or not. “Time Share” makes brilliant use of dialogue to convey a deftly nuanced story of sexuality in today’s world. It explores the dichotomy of sexual experiences that go from titillating to taboo and back again.
It is no wonder that Neil LaBute is considered (by the New Yorker, no less) to be the best playwright on the planet. He is masterful at scene setting and pacing; he manages to condense complex emotions and concepts into brief, soul-baring stories that help the reader contemplate and come to terms with their own - and others’ - sexuality.
Seconds of Pleasure Stories is a must-read for anyone who appreciates great writing and/or satisfying erotica. Neil LaBute is stunning.