Customer Reviews

The Splinter

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In "The Splinter" we have Dolores, a young girl fanatically devoted to her faith, who sees pain and blood as the ultimate sacrifice and proof of faith. Everyone around is unnerved by her fanaticism, yet, unsure of what to do.

After all, Dolores loves God. How can you discourage that?

Father Steven, a priest who describes Dolores as "She was just too - it was hard to find a word for what she was - devout? Fanatical? She was too fascinated by far with the harsher aspects of Catholicism," sees the unhealthy notes of her love. So he sends her to see Brother Simon, a man who has carved the proof of his extreme devotion on his body and face. From there, Dolores and Brother Simon alternately become Tempter and Temptee for one another until the very end.

I would describe this book as less erotica and more a psychological study. The writing is strong, the characters sharp, and the self-violence unflinching. While "The Splinter" did not necessarily hit my kink button below the waist, it did hit it above.

My tastes don't necessarily run along the flowery meadows and whispers of love that many of my fellow gender seem to celebrate. Was it childhood trauma? Not enough love? Too much pressure? Daily violence? Or was I just built that way?

"The Splinter" brings those questions to mind as I examine Dolores and Simon. Why are they the way they are? Why does extreme pain bring clarity and peace to them and the many like them? Why does pain show love?

I'm left with no concrete answers nor am I expected to. Remittance Girl presents us a view into someone else, not as a cautionary tale or a seedy thrill, but as a way to say, "People are different. We all have that quirk which makes us feel isolated and unworthy of love. The peace comes from finding those who are built the same. It is then you feel the beauty of who you are."

For that, I truly enjoyed this piece. I encourage those who understand this kind of message to explore "The Splinter" and see what questions come about inside of them.