Book description
The Use of Photography recounts a passionate love affair between Annie Ernaux and the journalist and author Marc Marie, after the two met in January 2003. Ernaux had been receiving intensive chemo for breast cancer during the prior three months, and had lost all her hair from the treatments. At…
Why read it?
1 author picked The Use of Photography as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
I loved how The Use of Photography provides a voyeuristic thrill of pre-coitus images, with the co-authors’ garments creating the mood, a story in strewn tights, knocked over leather boots. These photos alternate with deadpan observations of a doomed love affair.
The affair takes place as Ernaux, in middle age, undergoes invasive cancer treatments. The passion between the couple is girded by the indignities of chemo. Marc Marie writes, “For months we live together as a threesome, death, A., and me.”
I’ve never read a book in which lust cuts through deadpan photography analysis. It’s like the co-authors are balancing…
From Alex's list on enjoying obsessive love without a therapy bill.
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