The Camera My Mother Gave Me

by Susanna Kaysen

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Book cover for The Camera My Mother Gave Me

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Susanna Kaysen, who wrote about her teenage depression in the bestseller Girl, Interrupted, now takes on another taboo: her vagina–which suddenly and inexplicably starts to hurt. And neither Kaysen’s cheery gynecologist, nor her internist, nor a laconic “vulvologist” has the cure. An alternative health nurse suggests direct application of tea, baking soda, and boric acid. Others recommend novocaine, oatmeal, “bio-feedback,” and anti-depressants. Nothing works. As sex becomes more and more painful, Kaysen’s relationship with her boyfriend disintegrates and she turns to her best friends, her wicked sense of humor, and finally wry self-reflection to get herself through.

Using this unusual lens, Kaysen challenges us to think in new ways about the centrality and power of sexuality. The Camera My Mother Gave Me is an unexpected and revelatory book from one of our most candid, insightful and consistently surprising writers.

  • ISBN10 1299251846
  • ISBN13 9781299251847
  • Publish Date 1 January 2001
  • Publish Status Active
  • Out of Print 25 February 2015
  • Publish Country US
  • Imprint Vintage
  • Format eBook
  • Language English