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Wetlands

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A recommendation by ASewell

ASewell's recommendation

First to recommend

Since Wetlands release in Germany last year, many have accused writer Charlotte Roche of just trying to upset readers by "crossing the line". This book has caused a tremendous uproar. In this novel --- apparently very accurately translated into English by Tim Mohr --- contains very explicit, if not raunchy details: the flavors of body fluids, a serious amount of detail about anal sex and a creative use for avocado pits for female pleasure. After reading many of the scenes you end up feeling like brushing your teeth, washing your hands or taking a shower --- or all of the above.

However, to dismiss this book based on its level of profanity or shocking sex scenes, might be a mistake. Behind the hardcore language is the tragic story of 18-year-old Helen Memel, who thinks that her surgery for an anal lesion might unify her divorced parents, who come to visit her at the hospital. Her desire to have an intact family is sometimes as painful as the lesion for which she needs the surgery.

Through her eroticism and profanity, Memel takes on conventional views of female hygiene, the nature of femininity and sexuality. There really isn't a very complex plot going on here, but Helen's take on life is enough to keep the pages turning. (via amazon.com)