Psyche in a Dress

This book was very surprising, what I read in this book was shocking, so far I like.

Francesca Lia Block puts her powerful prose to work in this stunningly simple, yet amazingly complex book. We follow a teenaged girl, known as Psyche, throughout her life, which mirrors the stories in several Greek myths. An actress in her father's odd, violent movies, Psyche considers herself her father's muse, who took over when her mother left. At night, she is visited by Love himself, who tells her that she is Soul. Her lover brings the sound of the ocean with him, the taste of citrus spray on her lips, and tales of long ago to her ears. She loves this man, but has no idea what he looks like, for he has forbid her to turn on the light when he is with her. Cajoled by her sisters, Psyche's doubts begin to grow, and she breaks the rules by lighting a candle. Only then does she discover that she is in love with a god, and she does not deserve him. After he leaves, Psyche's life spirals into the pits of hell as she tries to win Love back. Throughout random affairs, abusive relationships, and a reunion with her mother, Psyche realizes how she is playing out the tales that Love told her long ago. She probably will never find Love again, but perhaps she can be worthy of him, someday. A quick read with mature themes, this book will leave the reader begging for more, tempted by the satisfying banquet of words this story presents. Reviewed by: Allison Fraclose

It's essentially a long poem. You're not going to get more than that. If you're in an inquisitive reader, who takes joy in slight and constant mystery, this is a book I'd reccomend. I personally loved it. I loved the flow, I loved the prose, I loved how one could almost relate, but never fully taste the protagonist as one would like to. (She's always just a step away, and to follow her is bliss) It's not easily read, you should not read it in and hour because you can; you should savour each phrase and hope to understand, not just for the plot, but because there are small moralities embeded within each chapter. I reccomend it, because it's something different (and lovely).

Near the end of Francesca Lia Block's brilliant new novel, PSYCHE IN A DRESS, the title character reflects on her life, thinking, "When your mothers tell you to love and appreciate your body it isn't just to get you to shut up. They know that when you are old you are going to feel exactly the same way inside that you do now. We try on different dresses, different selves, but our souls are always the same --- ongoing, full of light." In this lyrical, complex novel, trying on different selves, different dresses, different names is exactly what happens to Psyche (Soul). Born to a largely absent mother and a tyrannical, sadistic film director father, Psyche feels at odds with her surroundings. She only feels complete when she unites with her mysterious lover, Eros (Love), who comes to her in darkness, with the smell of "night-blooming flowers" and the scent of the ocean. Eros holds her and tells her stories of the myths. Their relationship seems idyllic until Psyche, goaded by her sisters, betrays Eros's trust by using a candle to see his face. Eros, crushed by her doubting, flees from Psyche, who is destined to spend the rest of her life trying to recapture the love she once knew. As she does so, she is transformed, in body and name, into various heroines of the Greek myths Eros once told her: Echo, Eurydice (whose Orpheus sounds a lot like Kurt Cobain) and Persephone (whose Hades also bears a passing resemblance to Marilyn Manson). During her odyssey, Psyche travels to hell and back, and through a variety of landscapes, from lush gardens to wealthy boutiques, that firmly place her story in a thoroughly modern California setting. Finally, when Soul and Love unite, a daughter, Joy, is born, and the true nature of the mythic patterns that have shaped Psyche's life is revealed. Fans of Block's earlier books, including the vastly popular Weetzie Bat series, know that Block often infuses her lyrical writing with mythical and fantastic elements. Here, though, she goes a step further, using the classic myths as the basis for an undeniably modern story. Drug use, rape, abuse and a variety of other evils reveal the true brutality of the myths, while Block's flowing free verse reveals their beauty. --- Reviewed by Norah Piehl

Francesca, over the years, has changed the way she writes her work tremendously. "Psyche in A Dress" is a lot like "Echo" in the way that it is like poetry and leaves you wondering after every chapter. Please disregard what the below person said...they obviously don't know anything about writing. Francesca is famously known for her way with words. You should know, after the very first page of someone's work, that the rest of the book will be written the same way. It's your own fault if you don't put the book down after the first two or three pages. Because her work is done so well, she will be helping in the way of the written work for a film version of Weetzie Bat AND creating a show for MTV. I would rate "Psyche in A Dress" just as high as I would "Neclace of Kisses" or "Weetzie Bat". Although it is a short read, that does not mean it is a terrible book. Francesca writes much differently than most writers, and that is why her work is treasured world wide. She puts her words out there, she is blunt, but beautiful about it. She is short and to the point, but uses words in a way that makes it seem like you are right there in the scene. Don't even bother picking up this book if you don't understand the use of descriptive words. This book breaks the barrier for other authors to begin looking at writing as an art form. This book leaves you wanting more, and will lead you to picking it up more than once for a quick read. It is an inspiration and joy to own this book. The world needs more positive energy and this lightens the way for it.

I don't know how to begin describing this book other than simply and undeniably beautiful. Greek mythology FLB style. (and since i'm obsessed with both greek mythology and FLB it was extra wonderful for me) She uses the myths of Psyche, Echo, Eurydice and Persephone and intertwines them to create one story about love and the human soul. I flew through it in a coupe of hours and cried when I finished it because I didn't want it to be over. i espessially loved all the classical mythology that it was satuarted with, it was everywhere, all these little allusions interwoven within the more obvious stories (the ones i mentioned before) and since i'm familiar with greek mythology i was able to spot and appreciate these allusions, but even if you don't know a lot about mythology you will still be able to appreciate and moved by this lovely story.