Review: Eroticism for the Intelligent
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 12, 2013
What a fast, thrilling read! "Desire & Prejudice" is an erotic love story of social significance with a strong political bent. I was immediately drawn into the narrative through McMillan's gentle prose, vivid imagery and emotions, and highly likable characters. It's only 140 pages, but it could've been twice as long. I couldn't put it down!The setting of McMillan's novella takes place in the late 20th century in the Middle East (Beirut, Lebanon), France (Paris) and Morocco. Through the lives and the love of his two main characters, Adam and Jasmine, McMillan explores the power and the effects of PTSD, a dangerous--and perhaps irrational--kind of love, and the inexplicable prejudice that plagues our world and our relationships.The story begins when Adam and Jasmine meet, although that's not the start of "their" stories. They have each experienced severe trauma before meeting each other, and both suffer from PTSD, or "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder".Through the events of their dangerous love affair, the reader is drawn in to the minds and the hearts of these two people. We root for them, although we know their love is impossible, and we wonder if they'll ever heal--permanently--from their disorders.Reminiscent of the provocatively impossible love between "Romeo and Juliet", the reader is left on the edge of their seat, wondering if and when and how they will get caught, because it seems inevitable. But as it turns out, "getting caught" was never the real danger to their love. The most dangerous thing, we learn, is prejudice."Desire & Prejudice" is an exciting read that will draw you into its world and characters, and leave you questioning your own prejudices.A highly recommended choice for the intelligent reader!