Routledge Deadly Desires: A Psychoanalytic Study of Female Sexual Perversion and Widowhood in Fin-de-Siecle Women's Writing

During the fin-de-siecle, stories about hysterical women filled the air of Paris and the novels emerging during this era conveyed this hysteria and openly portrayed the symptoms of the women being treated at the Salpetiere. This book examines the emergence of hysterical discourse and its influence on women's writing, specifically focusing on the presentation of female sexuality in three different narratives. Review "This book is a marvel! It is an essential read for anyone interested in psychoanalysis. Frequent discussion and referrals to art and literature give us a powerful and an insightful perspective on woman's sexuality in the fin de siècle. Dr Julie Lokis-Adkins, an incredibly experienced and respected academic, gives us a rich and well-researched piece of work that is written with the ease and delight of an alluring and entertaining novel. It is a pleasure to recommend it."--Dorota Mucha, MA, MBACP, BSCPC(FM), Private Practice and Visiting Counsellor "This book reminds you that the rights you take for granted in a contemporary world had to be fought for in the past. It offers a powerful narrative of the journey women had to undertake to recognise their rights: not just as political or economical entities, but also as sexual beings. The lecture of this fascinating study casts a new light on old questions: relations between sex and gender, power play in intimate liaisons and above all, a profound struggle to free oneself from prejudice and oppression."--Sylwia Ashley-Kot, MSc, Psychology Team Manager About the Author Julie Lokis-Adkins