The Camera My Mother Gave Me

Susanna Kaysen, who wrote about her teenage depression in the bestsellerGirl, Interrupted, now takes on another taboo: her vaginawhich 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 Meis an unexpected and revelatory book from one of our most candid, insightful and consistently surprising writers.

Susanna Kaysen is the author of the novels <i>Far Afield</i> and <i>Asa, As I Knew Him</i> and the memoir<i> Girl, Interrupted</i>. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.