"Kennedy is a world class writer."--The New York Times Book Review
A brilliant American debut from one of Scotland's most a... read full description
A brilliant American debut from one of Scotland's most a... read full description
reviews
Feb 01, 2009
Stephen
rated it: 
Wow! A love story like no other as my excursions into Scottish literature continue. A.L. Kennedy is daring to be sure. I was captivated by the tension in this novel between God and kink, with a strange compromise found in the end. The two main characters are unforgettable: one a repressed, abused, unhappy housewife mourning her loss of a sense of God; the other a self-help guru who also happens to be something of a compulsive pornography addict. Through all the feelings of disgust and shame,
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Jul 18, 2011
Vanessa
rated it: 
I have chosen to mention this book for several reasons.
1. I have it open on my bed.
2. Today I read A.L. Kennedy's blog in The Guardian and was struck by her disdain for marketing her own books. Let me do it for you, Alison, I need the practice.(See footnote).
3. We are always told that people don't buy short stories. Ahem! I bought these short stories. That proves something, doesn't it? I would rather read Original Bliss than all her other books put together. More...
1. I have it open on my bed.
2. Today I read A.L. Kennedy's blog in The Guardian and was struck by her disdain for marketing her own books. Let me do it for you, Alison, I need the practice.(See footnote).
3. We are always told that people don't buy short stories. Ahem! I bought these short stories. That proves something, doesn't it? I would rather read Original Bliss than all her other books put together. More...
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May 06, 2011
Katie M.
rated it:
I read So I Am Glad: A Novel ages ago and remember it as odd and sweet and moving. After years of vaguely meaning to read another A.L. Kennedy I finally picked up this one, and had exactly the same reaction to it. It's sort of about God and domestic violence and porn addiction but it's actually about two people who don't believe they are deserving of love and what happens when they meet. And it's just lovely.
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Oct 25, 2008
Susan
rated it: 
I don't know when I've read a book of serious fiction where I've been both enchanted with the language and unable to put the book down. This short book I read in a little over a day and that a holiday as well where I was busily taken up with other things.
I'm currently trying not to by new hardbacks so I bypassed Kennedy's new novel, Paradise, for an older novel. It came just as I was packing to leave for my sister's for the holiday. It was small and seemed a likely thing to read on More...
I'm currently trying not to by new hardbacks so I bypassed Kennedy's new novel, Paradise, for an older novel. It came just as I was packing to leave for my sister's for the holiday. It was small and seemed a likely thing to read on More...
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Aug 17, 2009
Sheri
rated it: 
Original Bliss was different, I am still not sure if I liked it or not. Edward was strange and Helen was almost pathetic, but I could not help liking her. The sex scenes were pornographic, so those who do not like graphic "sexual" detail should not read Original Bliss. It was a unique love story.
Jul 11, 2007
Molly
rated it:
I liked this and I didn't like it. Trying to write a review for this book has proved particularly difficult (this is my third attempt). Kennedy again proves adept at creating unique, damaged, and undeniably human characters. However, unlike Paradise (a later novel), the characters here were harder for me to get a grasp on. Particularly Helen Brindle. Perhaps it's my own difficulty in understanding how someone could be THAT devoted to their own faith.
I guess what matters is that I wa More...
I guess what matters is that I wa More...
Jun 05, 2010
Sharonm
rated it:
An abused wife and a self-help guru who is a pornography addict meet and fall in love. This odd relationship is beautifully, if sparsely, drawn as Kennedy reveals this awkward relationship.
Mar 20, 2009
Lindsay
rated it:
Nothing short of life-altering. This book is BY FAR, the best thing I've ever read "for school!!!"
Mar 19, 2011
June anne
rated it:
first foray into A L Kennedy - been meaning to for ages - watch this space...
Well, now that I've read it - found it slightly disturbing and not hugely satisfying
Well, now that I've read it - found it slightly disturbing and not hugely satisfying
Nov 14, 2008
Rachel
rated it:
i wish i could give three and half stars. after a somewhat tedious 50 pages, the story finally begins to pick up and i finally started to care about the characters. from it's boring start it quickly segues into some very disturbing sexual content. there is violence in this book, but what i was so imperssed with, was kennedy's ability to turn some very despicable behavior on its head and to get me to like and root for these people. it's a very unlikely love story, but maybe that's why it was so s
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Feb 20, 2010
Luann
rated it:
I was thinking about how much I liked this novel the other day and how that fondness is akin to what I feel for the movie "Secretary." Both challenged my definitions of love and both had a deep tenderness for those who find that love in unconventional places. Kennedy is a fierce writer and not everyone's cup of tea -- I don't often recommend for that reason. But she's also brilliant and a remarkable technician, IMHO, and this is perhaps my favorite of the half dozen I've read.
Mar 30, 2008
Diana
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Sep 21, 2007
Elisascalise
rated it:
A book full of contradiction; both what you love and hate most about humans. Deals with some harsh subject matter without being melodramatic. Really like it.
Jun 02, 2007
G
rated it:
A lopsided love affair, and well-written, but I didn't emotionally connect as others have.
Jan 01, 2008
Dragana
rated it:
Purposefully stuttering prose crafty, but too far-fetched in an unpleasant way.
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