The Other Hand Clapping

This slender work is actually mainstream (for Vassi anyway) and deals with a hetero couple who want to recharge their relationship. One is focused on Zen meditation; the other is focused on her acting; they go to a summer retreat to try to deal with these issues and rediscover passion. A brooding/psychological novel full of uncharacteristic restraint, I compare it to Alberto Moravia's masterpiece, Contempt. I've been writing a critical study of Marco Vassi's works and have come to the conclusions that his novels don't equal the quality of his short stories (which tended to have more focus and more emphasis on aesthetics than on plottedness and erotic philosophies). Many of his novels (however talkative and lyrical and engaging) don't seem to go anywhere. However, this one is tightly focused and ultimately one of the most satisfying. It's more about Zen spirituality than eros, but Vassi fans will discern the usual themes here as well. For another Vassi work with similar themes, see Sensual Mirror.