The Limits of Pleasure [Paperback]

Daniel M. Jaffe (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2002

Fiction. Gay/Lesbian Studies. Jewish Studies. Even during scorching sexual encounters with strangers in public parks and gay baths, Dave Miller is haunted by images-some perverse, some downright homey-of his dead family. In two intertwined chronologies, this remarkable novel follows Dave, a 40-year-old Jewish man who was raised by his Orthodox, Holocaust-survivor grandmother. From the cruising spots of Boston to the gay tourist scene in Amsterdam, Dave trysts dangerously with every available man. "We've heard of survivors' guilt, but Daniel Jaffe brings us a visceral understanding of its less understood concomitant, survivors' rage, in this extraordinarily fearless novel."--Diane Lefer.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Illuminates the paradox in which one must hold back to survive but risk all to live." - Diane Lefer, author of Radiant Hunger; "Deeply satisfying... As smart as it is sexy." - Karl Woelz, co-editor of Men on Men 2000; "Truly groundbreaking... A brilliant author." - Sydney Lea, founding editor of New England Review/Breadloaf Quarterly

From the Author

This is the old version.  I've since revised it, so be sure to get the 2010 edition from Bear Bones Books!

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 172 pages
• Publisher: Southern Tier Editions/Haworth Press (January 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560233737
• ISBN-13: 978-1560233732
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,072,362 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Ever a daydreamer, I never seem to have enough time to ponder. I can ruminate about one thing and another endlessly. Writing offers a wonderful outlet for my ever-turned-on imagination. I've been at this writing thing in a serious way for over the last 20 years, and am convinced I'll never have enough time to explore all the story ideas that keep coming into my head. How lucky can a guy get!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No Limits for the Pleasure, December 19, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Limits of Pleasure (Paperback)

Jaffe's novel is a courageous example of how fiction can challenge our ideas and emotions- creating new spaces where we have never been before. By exploring the intersections where ethnicity and sexual desire meet,by provoking us to reconsider the meaning of identity,Jaffe expands our horizons in dramatic ways. After reading this novel I realized "pleasure" is the final frontier of freedom: how much pleasure is our body allowed to seek, to feel, to enjoy? For centuries we have been living within the ethics of pain: suffering is validation. But Jaffe's book seems to suggest another standard: pleasure is redemption too;sex has a moral value within this novel. It reminded me of Nietzche's opinion: "pain wants to end, but pleasure wants repetition and eternity". And you want to read this book as soon as you can- if you dare!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and fascinating, November 30, 2001

By 

"rsuresha" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Limits of Pleasure (Paperback)

The Limits of Pleasure explores a vast reservoir of possibilities that exists between the constrictions of psychic and emotional pain and the expansiveness of physical sensation and desire. With great wit, insight, and imagination, Mr. Jaffe reveals in his characters a stunning inner landscape that pits smoldering, down-the-throat sensuality against heartfelt nostalgia for cultural awareness and familial belonging. Keep this book by the nightstand for erotic and psychical stimulation when the other side of the bed is absent a warm body to do the needful otherwise.

Ron Suresha, editor, Bearotica; and author, Bears on Bears

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Depth Mixed with Fun, October 17, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Limits of Pleasure (Paperback)

Rare to find a novel that conveys deep meaning through humor. The Limits of Pleasure does that. It made me smile and think at the same time. And it was often arousing too, not such a bad thing, as this novel tries to point out. Feels very true to life. Deals with the sort of issues we wish were not there. Not always PC, but we aren't always politically correct in our heads and hearts and lower, are we?