Search - The Kiss

Whew! The dynamics in this family could keep several therapists busy for a long time. I mainly wanted to read this book because of several women I've known who had sex with their fathers. I wanted to get a clearer sense of what was going on psychologically. I'm glad the sex was never depicted in any detail whatsoever. Abandoned by her mother at a young age, Ms. Harrison's quest turns towards her father for love. Unfortunately, he exploits her needs and initiates her into having sex with him. Thus begins an affair that paralyzes her. This started at Age 20 for the author which left her no recourse with the courts. A moving, sad book that left me with a better insight into incest victims' suffering.

The storyline intrigued be. Before I really understood what this was about, I made up many scenarios on how a daughter and her father could get together without all the implications of sin. But, to let you know, it is straight-forward and honest--and that's what happened. Good, though, and well-written. Worth a read.

A very rare glimpse into sexual abuse and incest. Gives one a whole new perspective on the matter. I feel so badly for this poor girl and then the next minute I am angry at her reactions. If you are interested in the phsycological aspects of the subject and want to enlarge your understanding of others, this is a great story. I have to wonder how much of it is true...but then, I wonder that about my own life sometimes. Could it really have happened like this?

This book was very well written that I've decided to read her other books. The content is not easy to take but the author didn't write it as a pity party. I admire her bravery and her ability to move on. This is not a light-hearted read but one that is hard to forget.

I hated this book.
I read it cause a friend suggested it.
What is the author seek by telling this story?
None of us wants to be "judgmental", all behaviors -even the ones we call abhorrent and evil- have roots somewhere... that doesn't necessary makes you a victim.
The writer was in her 20s when she engaged in incest with her father. She was an adult,she had a choice,she consented.
If this book had a point other than blaming others for her behavior,I missed it.

I read this book all in one sitting; I literally could not put it down. Harrison's writing style in her memoir is vaguely reminiscent of Joyce Carol Oates, poetic and evocative. Every moment described with a clarity that is frequently lacking in memoirs, bringing the reader into the mind of the author.

The Kiss is beautiful, and horrifying. Basically telling the story of a slow spiral dance of destruction circling around the author’s mother whom she loves terribly, and the father she never knew.

A beautiful book, and an excellent read for anyone who has interest the psychology of abuse. . . but one I don’t think I could bear to read again.