Consent

by Ben Schrank

Book Overview

Mike Zabusky first sees Katherine Staresina at a party given by Mike's doctoral-thesis adviser, Matthew Weingarden. They are instantly drawn to each other--so instantly that they have a sexual... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0812966821
• ISBN13: 9780812966824
• Release Date: March 2003
• Publisher: Random House Trade
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.2" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

A Compelling, Lyrical Look on Sex and Relationships

Ben Schrank's second novel is a compelling, vivid exploration not only of sex, but more importantly of family and friendship. He elegantly weaves in the medieval Jewish myth of the Golem as a metaphor describing the protagonist's relationship with his father, friends, and especially with the object of his affection, the young lawyer with whom he shares some intense sexual encounters. Without divulging much of the plot, I shall say that this is one of the most intriguing examinations of relationships I've read, blessed with lyrical, poetic descriptions of sex that almost rival any I've read in the novels of John Hawkes. I greatly enjoyed reading Ben Schrank's literary debut, MIRACLE MAN; CONSENT is a worthy successor from one of our best young American writers.

unusual and compelling

Grad school, parents' mortality, career uncertainty, romantic confusion-- elements of life in the 30's that too often end up parodied or dumbed down in popular fiction. Schrank's book is not one of those tiresome gen-x novels about sophisticated young New Yorkers. Consent is truthful, contemplative and moving, and, in places, very effectively erotic (which is all too rare an accomplishment-- why is literary writing about sex usually so awful?) The scholarly background (the main character studies the Jewish myth of the Golem) is convincingly rendered and adds dimension to the story, making it feel more expansive and universal. The only thing that lent an occasionally slightly off note was that the love interest was such a rhymes-with-witch. But Schrank made his character's attraction to her urgent and irrational enough that it worked and was quite compelling. I liked Miracle Man a lot and was extremely pleased that Consent was so good-- there's nothing more depressing than a sophomore slump in a talented young writer, and Consent is emphatically not an example of this. It shows development and maturity. I strongly recommend it-- support young writers so that they can become mature writers! Buy the hardcover. It's worth it.

The Golem meets the American Family

What a great mix of mysticism, folklore and contemporary family life, as the hapless hero confronts work, relationships and -- this is really quite wonderful -- the Golem, returning Isaac-Singer like from too long an absence in American fiction. Singer does come to mind here, only fast-forwarded to very contemporary America. Schrank has a great sense of humor, a wicked eye for the travails of contemporary family. It reads like a rocket ride. The mysticism is applied with a brilliant hand -- not too much, not too little. Very surprising, and even enchanting. This book is touching and fun, and if you are struggling to deal with almost anything relating to family, and need a bit of mystical help or guidance, right on target.