In the Cut
Back of the Book
Frannie Thorstin is a divorced English professor, living in a two room New York apartment. She spends much of her time alone, working on a book about dialects and idiomatic language. One evening at a bar, Frannie stumbles upon a man and a woman engaged in a sexual act. A week later a detective shows up at her door. The woman’s body has been discovered in the park across the street. What follows is a chilling tale of lust and murder as Frannie finds herself drawn to the detective. In the Cut is a masterpiece of literary suspense and sexual exploration.
Why You Should Read It
A woman’s intimate involvement with a murder case is the narrative vehicle Susanna Moore uses to explore her protagonist’s deeply troubling relationship to sex and sexuality. A character deeply obsessed with language and linguistic differences, Franny enjoys the particular privilege afforded to her by Moore, of being able to dissect the movement of her sexual drives and impulses from curiously engaged to outright dangerous through meticulous linguistic documentation. Moore’s own fearless depiction of New York’s seedy underbelly and its collaboration with crime and sex to create a deeply disquieting and nuanced experience of sexual progression and its relationship to power and authority makes In The Cut a formidable read.
Memorable Passage
I wanted to talk to him. To hear his dangerous voice, the voice that he used with women ('Hi, baby, how you doin'? Sittin' on the phone?' The 'hi' drawn out in a low, implicating whisper.) I wanted to hear the coldness that was so deep . . . That coldness of spirit that had made it so thrilling to get his attention.
About the Author
Susanna Moore is an accomplished American author known for her evocative and intricately crafted novels that delve into the complexities of human relationships and the intersection of the personal and the political. Born in 1945, Moore's literary career gained recognition with works such as My Old Sweetheart and In the Cut. Her writing is marked by its sharp prose and keen exploration of themes such as desire, power, and the intricacies of female experiences. Moore's ability to create immersive narratives, often with a psychological depth, has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated readership. Beyond her novels, she has contributed essays and reviews to prominent publications. Susanna Moore is worth knowing for her significant contributions to contemporary literature, her nuanced portrayal of characters navigating the challenges of life, and her impact on discussions surrounding feminism and the exploration of female subjectivity in literature.
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