Fantasy Book Club discussion

Her Fearful Symmetry
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2010 Group Read Discussions > Nov. 2010: Her Fearful Symmetry / General question about Niffenegger's writing: Let's talk about sex, baby...

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Jesi (pwnedkitten) I found that in both Her Fearful Symmetry and Time Traveler's Wife that there was quite an emphasis put on sex; moreso in Her Fearful Symmetry, granted. Now, some might say that this is because she's trying to portray human emotions in as realistic a manner as possible, and sex happens to be a very real and important (depending on the person in question) aspect of life. My question to you: do you find that her stories are enhanced/made more real because of this trait of hers, or does it detract from the plot?


Julie I actually didn't think that there was a lot of sex in the book. I saw this question before I read the book and was a little concerned but I guess the sex made sense to me with the storyline. Actually the only people that had sex were Robert and Elspeth, I don't think that Valentina actually broke down and lost her virginity. I guess I just think there is more references to sex and actual sex in the average TV show that it wasn't out of the ordinary to have it in the book. I do think that most of it moved the story along and gave you a greater understanding of the character motivations and personalities. Especially the scene were Elspeth "came back" to Robert, you could feel his revulsion.


Nichole (DirrtyH) (dirtyh) I honestly don't remember a lot of sex in Her Fearful Symmetry. It's been awhile since I read it, but clearly it didn't make an impact. I don't think it detracted from the plot.
Time Traveler's Wife is my favorite book of all time, but I find myself more discriminating about who I recommend it to because of the sexual content. Not one I'll recommend to my mom, for sure.


Margot (freezebaby) I didn't find that the sexual content detracted from either story, although it's been a while since I read The Time Traveler's Wife. I thought the twins' thoughts about sex were natural--a huge hurdle they still had to overcome in their twindome and therefore a natural thing for them to think frequently about. And the twins' resemblance to their aunt made it seem natural, though twisted, for Robert to be sexually attracted to them.


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