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Weird Fucks by Lynne Tillman
Weird Fucks, first published in 1980 and long fallen out of print, made a comeback onto the literary scene thanks to Peninsula Press. And as titles go, this one is pretty hard to beat – it certainly is both about fucking, and weird. But the enticing title may also mask a surprisingly clever, profound exploration of power, freedom, and knowledge.
The forbidden, naughty aspect of Weird Fucks, perfectly encapsulated by this salacious title, is definitely an essential part of the book. The novel is a series of seemingly unrelated vignettes, each the tale of a different weird fuck. It’s a small book and makes for a fast, compelling read, and the spareness of the prose allows the reader to imbue the story with meaning.
“I found myself falling in love again. It is safer to stay indoors.”
Weird Fucks by Lynne Tillman
Lynne Tillman’s Language
Lynne Tillman’s language is unsurprisingly poetic and precise. She chose every word carefully, making for an impactful read. The fast pace combined with the seeming separateness of each chapter gives the book a throwaway, disposable quality. Nothing sticks with the unnamed narrator and within the reader’s mind.
But the very fact that nothing really seems to matter within the novel is actually rather radical.
“It was difficult, very difficult, for men to understand and appreciate how someone could fling herself around sexually and not know the terms, the ground, on which she lay.”
Weird Fucks by Lynne Tillman
A female narrator detaching herself from emotional entanglements to pursue pleasures of the flesh is a significant move that should not be understated, particularly in the political and social climate in which Weird Fucks was written.
Weird Fucks’ Structure and Substance
It is the unnamed main character of the book that gives Weird Fucks both structure and substance. The relationships of the novel almost seem interchangeable, with each male “fuck” orbiting our main character. In fact, she almost seems to laugh at the concept of highfalutin love and romance.
“When I was fourteen I discovered that boys would fall in love with me if I listened to everything they said. A strong sense of integrity prohibited me from continuing this form of seduction. And, in addition to integrity, there was the problem of having to continue to listen to them.”
Weird Fucks by Lynne Tillman
You can pick up your copy of Weird Fucks by Lynne Tillman at Waterstones here.
