I bought this book because I'd like to watch the movie adaptation and figured I should probably read the original story first. I'm looking forward to enjoying both formats :)

Erika has been raised, groomed, sheltered and protected by her mother who has unwittingly trained her to experience love as punishment. Erika is 40, repressed, frustrated and suffering from the gilded cage existence her mother keeps her in. In order to express her sexuality, she ventures out into sleazy porn emporiums, peep shows and enjoys voyeuristic adventures late at night in dodgy parks.

From the description of Erika lashing out violently with her specialness, using her musical instruments - her talent - as a weapon to strangers on public transport, it was clear that this woman was not going to love and be loved easily. When a young student attempts to seduce the middle aged teacher, at first she almost succumbs only to retreat back into herself and attempt to control the situation once more using violence and pain.

The most striking thing about the novel for me, was the degree to which it was clear that the characters were demonstrating love for each other while also delivering damaging knock out blows to the psyche. The physical brutality and pain became the least troubling thing in this book for me.

I have never read descriptions of frustration, suppression, repression, aggression and sadomasochistic acts written about with such beautifully lyrical language. I will definitely seek out more of Jelinek's work.

Left in a tree outside the main building on a blustery post Unconvention Sunday. I hope this book finds the right reader as I realise it is a bit of a niche read.