Dialogue about Amy Sohn’s “Prospect Park West.”

This is part four in a dialogue between Hanna Rosin and Amy Sohn about Amy's new novel, Prospect Park West. Read part one here, part two here, and part three here.

Hi Hanna,

I don’t feel the characters are portrayed coldly; the novel is written in third-person limited, so the chapters are from their own perspectives. You’ll notice a few slips where the authorial voice comes in, but my intent was to get into their minds and points of view.

You didn’t enjoy Melora’s precipitous Amy Winehouse-like fall? Really? I love celebrity mishaps. Melora is trying so hard to keep it together on the night of the Southpaw event and everything she does to try to keep it together winds up unraveling her further. I’ve had nights like that. I love downward spirals, where characters fall right when everything is on the line. When I write those spirals I am always doing it with a spirit of great affection for the characters. A writer friend once told me that in all great fiction you must “tie your heroine to the railroad tracks,” an admonition that excited me on more than one level. (Both Rachel Block in my novel My Old Man and Ariel Steiner in my novel Run Catch Kiss also have terrible falls before they brush themselves off late in the books.)

As for Karen, she is an extreme character—and the one people have reacted to most strongly. But in creating her I was drawing on real women obsessed with their fertility. Go on some message boards and you’ll get a glimpse of the agony of infertility—and some of the dangerously obsessive ways of thinking that come out of it. I’m not saying that it’s wrong to want a child or want more children but that the single-mindedness creeps me out a little. Just the other day someone told me of a woman who took higher-than-prescribed doses of Clomid so she might have triplets (and did).

I say this as someone who is prone to obsessive thinking herself. Many of us “alpha women” get accustomed to getting our wishes in the workplace and other areas and then struggle when fate throws us a curveball. Many of us have no inner mechanism for handling strife—because we’ve been lucky enough not to have much of it. I see Karen as one of those women. She had strife as a teenager but blocked it out, and now that she can’t have a second baby, she can’t make sense of her infertility because it doesn’t mesh with her grand plan. Again, I have the (maybe false) idea that in earlier decades women had deeper and more complex self-conceptions than they do today. They seemed capable of reinventing themselves. Now we’re terrified of doing so. I imagine that an earlier Karen might have accepted her one son, or considered adoption or ... I get into all of that in the sequel.

Anyway, glad you liked the sex scenes. I had fun writing hot adulterous sex. I also wanted to write about the sometimes-blurry line between the sensual and the sexual in caring for an infant. A friend of mine told me that when she was pregnant she had no interest in sex but felt the need to masturbate constantly. So her husband came home one day with a huge box of toys.

I think the challenge for new mothers is not that their sexuality disappears, but that so many stop looking to their husbands to fulfill it. How come the same women that roll their eyes at their libidinous hubbies can make time for those long, luxurious pedicures every week, moaning ecstatically as they get foot massages? Is it because the pedicurist doesn’t demand anything but money? This is the woman’s equivalent of whore-mongering. We don’t stop wanting pleasure; we just prefer our pleasure bought.

Tags: amy sohn, prospect park west

Amy Sohn is a Brooklyn-based columnist, screenwriter and the author of the new novel Prospect Park West, as well as My Old Man, and Run, Catch, Kiss.

Comments

Nice to be visiting your agai

By: jakeblake | Wed, 02/08/2012 - 22:57

Nice to be visiting your again, it has been months for me. Articles On Photography artistic fashion photography

In this Coach Outlet Online

By: Donna2090 | Sun, 01/01/2012 - 22:32

In this Coach Outlet Online Store eye-catching holiday season, Pioneer coach factory online American style producer coach factory outlet delivers you a gorgeous gown with bold coach outlet online, multi-colored eye-catching coach outlet online. This season, coach factory outlet store brought us sweet and neutral girl Coach Factory. Purple Coach Factory coupled with metal pendant, pendant is truly a trademark of Coach outlet online, and we will immediately recognize coach factory outlet. Sweet coach factory outlet online princess also can positioned on purple leather-based bag over a beautiful vital coach outlet chain, vital coach outlet online store ring pink bag could make you lovely. Coach factory traditional light leather-based trim contours a perfect, Coach Outlet lightweight wrist strap, Coach Factory Online metal lock; Coach outlet store online is truly a lady placing on a neutral favorite. Coach factory is pleased to begin for fall 2010 males to construct a producer new design. coach factory awesome leather-based objects and components since the founded players, coach outlet store online toward the men's sequence onto a producer new level, American coach outlet design and rugged charm of males in these new and modern alternative objects at a glance. Indispensable handbook digesting pervasive luxury particulars and specific coach factory outlet leather-based producing methods, CLARKSON TOT function is inspired with the broad belt of ultra-light Coach outlet online look after and hand polished sheepskin. shortly after dealing using a comparable gentle folds, louis vuitton pursesgetaway bag is great for daily equipment, its sizing but in inclusion just for weekend travel.

RE: Get into the Halloween spirit with these 99 cent iPhone Apps

By: pinglun | Fri, 12/30/2011 - 20:49

ratchet tiedown
booster cable
booster cable
power cord
trouble light
leather sofa
floor jack
hydraulic jack
jack stands
jack stand
hydraulic jacks
hydraulic bottle jack

Base cap
booster cables
booster cable
battery cable
dress bag
shelf hanging organizer
non-woven fabric
glass bottle

dust mask
dust maskss
Protective mask
Protective masks
Medical mask
power strips
extension cords
power socket
crystal trophy
crystal gifts
crystal laser
crystal products
china crystal
crystal box

beach umbrella
golf umbrella
folding umbrella
children umbrella
lover special umbrella
Umbrella Company
Umbrella?manufacturers in China
Outdoor umbrella
Garden umbrella
Fold umbrella
Advertising umbrella
Straight umbrella
Promotion umbrella
Printed umbrella
Ladies umbrella
Mini umbrella
Folding automatic umbrella
Beach chair umbrella
Custom umbrella
Square umbrella
Fiberglass umbrella
Manual umbrella
Auto kid umbrella
Auto open and close fold umbrella
Double layers golf umbrella
Wooden shaft umbrella
Gift fold umbrella
Rose umbrella
Beer bottle umbrella
Super mini umbrella
Heart shape umbrella
Silver coated umbrella
Led umbrella

crystal bottle stopper
crystal pyramids
crystal horses
crystal gift baby
crystal gift clock
crystal gift decoration
crystal car model
crystal diamond keychain
LED crystal keychain
crystal ship model
crystal cooperate trophy
crystal customized trophy
crystal award cup
crystal business gift
crystal medal
crystal model truck
crystal truck model
power strips
booster cable
extension cords
power strip
extension cord
trouble light
power strip
glue gun
booster cable

pvc panel
pvc ceiling
pvc door
ceiling panel
wall panel
china pvc panel
china pvc ceiling
china pvc door
china ceiling panel
china wall panel
pvc panel manufacturers
pvc ceiling manufacturers
pvc door manufacturers
ceiling panel manufacturers
wall panel manufacturers
pvc panel suppliers
pvc ceiling suppliers
pvc door suppliers
ceiling panel suppliers
wall panel suppliers
Decorative panel
PVC wall panels
PVC panels
PVC wall panel
PVC ceiling panel
Wall cladding
Wall panels
PVC doors
Ceiling panel
Ceiling panels
False ceiling
Suspended ceiling
Ceiling board
Interior doors

bouncy balls promotional gifts
toys promotional gifts
bathroom vanity
bathroom vanity cabinets
china bathroom cabinet
bathroom cabinet manufacturers

crystal gifts
crystal beads
crystal lamp
crystal ball
crystal downlight
crystal spotlight
crystal ceiling light
crystal ceiling lamps
crystal chandelier china
crystal ashtrays
crystal candle holder
3D laser crystal
crystal figurines
crystal image china
crystal vases china
crystal knob
crystal christmas tree
crystal craft manufacturer
crystal paperweights china
crystal trophy
crystal lighting fittings
crystal tile
crystal perfume bottles
crystal office supplies

Shelf Bracket
Shelf Brackets
Bracket Shelf
Barrel Bolt
Door bolt
Bracket Shelf manufacturer
Bracket Shelf supplies
Bracket Shelf factory
Bracket Shelf china
china Shelf Bracket
Shelf Bracket china
Shelf Bracket manufacturer
Shelf Bracket supplies
Shelf Bracket factory
White Shelf Bracket
Black Shelf Bracket
Gray Shelf Bracket
Utility Shelf Bracket
decorative shelf bracket
heavy duty shelf bracket
hidden shelf bracket
metal shelf bracket
floating shelf bracket
wrought iron shelf bracket
glass shelf brackets

braided insulation sleeves
thermal protection sleeve
water-cooling cable protection sleeve
hydraulic hose protection sleeve
hook&loop fireproof sleeve
heat treated fiberglass sleeving
thicken and enhanced heat treated sleeve
normal braided heat treated sleeve
basalt fiber braided sleeve
electrical insulation sleeving
self-extinguishment silicone resin coated glass fibre sleeving
silicone rubber coated fiberglass sleeve
silicone fiberglass sleeving
acrylic resin fiberglass sleeve
polyurthane resin coated fiberglass sleeve

bamboo furniture
bamboo kitchen
bamboo flooring
recliner
sectional sofa
bottle jack
air jack
shop press
bushing
brass bushing

digital thermometer
clinical thermometer
ear thermometer
digital blood pressure monitor
shop crane
Chimney hoods
power strip
Christmas Lamp
glue gun
Well Socket
Battery clip
Booster cables
Car wash brush
Clothes hangers

Electric socket
Power board
Power cable
Power cord
Power socket
Power strips
Ratchet straps
Ratchet tiedowm
Solar lighting
Soldering irons

crystal trophy
crystal gifts
crystal laser
crystal products
china crystal
crystal box

reflective film
reflective sheeting
reflective fabric
reflective material
High Refractive Glass Beads
High Refractive Index Glass Beads

dinning chairs

paper napkins
paper tissue

leisure chair
bar stools
bar chairs
bar table
pub stools
pub chairs

knit scarf
knit hat
knitted shawl

power strip
extension cord

Polycarbonate sheets
Polycarbonate sheet
pc sheet
Polycarbonate panels
Polycarbonate sheeting
Polycarbonate greenhouse
lexan sheets

pad lock
gun lock
cable lock

car clock
power socket
standby killer

ride on
children car
ride on car
pedal karts
pedal go kart
pedal go karts
electric jeep
go kart pedals
adult go karts
adult go kart
cool go karts
adult pedal car
adult pedal cars
adult pedal kart
metal pedal cars
pedal karts for kids
kids pedal go karts
kids pedal go kart
adult pedal go kart
pedal go karts for kids
pedal cars for adults
kid electric cars
electric kid cars
adult pedal go karts
electric childs car
child electric car
berg pedal go karts
pedal karts for adults
pedal go karts for adults
pedal go kart parts
pedal go kart for adults
go kart pedal car
children car china
pedal powered go kart
ride on car china
ride on car manufacturer
pink pedal go kart
pedal go kart china
pedal go karts china
china children car
children car supplier
children car manufacturer
china pedal karts
pedal karts china
pedal karts supplier
pedal karts manufacturer
china ride on car
ride on car supplier
china ride on
ride on china
ride on supplier
ride on manufacturer

RE: Get into the Halloween spirit with these 99 cent iPhone Apps

By: pinglun | Fri, 12/30/2011 - 20:48

children cars
ride on cars
kids tricycle
children tricycles
baby tricycle
kid tricycles
tricycle for adults
tricycle?baby
tricycle?for?toddler
tricycle adult
electric ride on cars
tricycles for toddlers
baby trikes
trike for toddlers
tricycles for sale
tricycle baby trikes
kid tricycle
trike kid
tricycle for 2 year old
battery powered ride on cars
trikes for boys
trike for 2 year old
ride on cars for toddlers
used adult tricycles
tricycle for 3 year old
tricycles for 3 year olds
trike for 1 year old
trike bikes for kids
tricycle baby bike
tricycle bikes for kids
tricycles for disabled children
tricycles for older children
ride on cars china
baby tricycle china
china children cars
children cars china
children cars supplier
children cars manufacturer
china ride on cars
ride on cars supplier
ride on cars manufacturer
china kids tricycle
kids tricycle china
kids tricycle supplier
kids tricycle manufacturer
china children tricycles
children tricycles china
children tricycles supplier
children tricycles manufacturer
china baby tricycle
baby tricycle supplier
baby tricycle manufacturer
china kid tricycles
kid tricycles china
kid tricycles supplier
kid tricycles manufacturer

solar water heater buyer
vacuum tube solar water heater
solar water heater distributor
buy solar water heater
china solar water heater
solar water heater china
solar water heater factory
solar water heater manufacturer
solar water heater supplier
solar water heater importer
china solar energy
solar energy china
solar energy factory
solar energy manufacturer
solar energy supplier
solar energy importer
solar energy company
solar energy in china
china solar collectors
solar collectors china
solar collectors factory
solar collectors manufacturer
solar collectors supplier
solar collectors importer

christmas tree
china christmas tree
china christmas garland
pine needle tree
prelit christmas trees
china christmas trees
christmas tree shop
christmas tree decoration
china christmas wreaths
artificial christmas tree
white christmas tree

POP clip
POP frame
POP display stand
data strip
price holder
Sign holder
Display stand
pop display
poster stand
Metal display stand
frame stand
Sign board
Flip Chart
Digital display board
Price ticket board
price sign board
Plastic clip
pop display clip
plastic holder
price holder
shelf talker
display wobbler
pvc card
acrylic display stand
acrylic menue holder
supermarket equipment
advertising equipment
Store display track
plastic frame
poster frame
sign frame
display frame
price frame
poster display
poster pole
magnetic base
magnetic stand
magnetic display
price tag
price bar
Hanging clip strip
pvc cover
PVC pocket
card holder
S hook
Plastic hook
Promotion card
Poster holder

Solar Water Heater
Solar Collector
solar energy heater
solar hot water
instant water heater
solar hot water systems
solar project
solar energy system
solar water heating
Solar Information
solar heater
solar energy
water heater
solar system
solar heating
solar geysers
solar project system
solar hot water system
solar geyser
hot water heater
home solar
solar product
Solar water heater
Solar water heating
Solar heater
Solar hot water system
Solar collector
Solar heating
Solar water heater china
Solar water heater manufacturer
Solar water heater supplier
Solar water heaters
Solar water heater factory
Solar water heating china
Solar water heating manufacturer
Solar water heating supplier
Solar water heatings
Solar water heating factory
Solar heater china
Solar heater manufacturer
Solar heater supplier
Solar heaters
Solar heater factory
Solar hot water system china
Solar hot water system manufacturer
Solar hot water system supplier
Solar hot water systems
Solar hot water system factory
Solar collector china
Solar collector manufacturer
Solar collector supplier
Solar collectors
Solar collector factory
Solar heating china
Solar heating manufacturer
Solar heating supplier
Solar heatings
Solar heatin factory
U pipe solar collector
Heat pipe solar collector
evacuated tube solar collector
pressure solar collector
solar thermal collector
solar hot water heating systems
solar water heater collector
solar water heater swimming pool
solar water heaters manufacturers
vacuum tube solar water heater
solar hot water heaters
solar hot water
Balcony solar collector

ferrite core
ferrite cores
magnetic core
magnetic cores
magnetic ring
magnetic rings
ferrite magnet
soft magnet
magnet
magnetic
soft magnetic ferrite core
EMI magnetic ferrite core
Ni-Zn ferrite core factories
SMD ferrite core
ferrite rod core
ferrite bead core
ferrite drum core
soft ferrite core seller
soft toroidal ferrite core manufacturer
ring magnetic ferrite core supplier
soft magnetic ferrite core
magnetic bead core
SMD magnetic ferrite core
magnetic drum core
magnetic rod core
magnetic products suppliers
magnetic rings factories
magnetic toroidal core manufacturer
magnetic EMI ferrite core seller

Swivel Coupler
Swivel ClamP
scaffold coupler
girder clamp
Pressed Steel Couplers
Double Coupler
scaffolding fittings
Pressed Double Coupler
Pressed Swivel Coupler
scaffolding coupler suppliers
Pressed Steel Double Coupler
Pressed Steel Swivel Coupler
combination double coupler
combination swivel coupler
pressed double coupler manufacturers
pressed double coupler suppliers
scaffolding Clamp
Scaffolding Clamps
Scaffolding Accessories
scaffolding fittings
scaffolding couplers
Industrial clamps
Scaffold Couplers
scaffolding equipment
steel scaffolding
scaffolding accessories manufacturers
scaffolding accessories distributors
scaffolding exporters
masonry scaffolding accessories
scaffolding coupler suppliers
scaffolding system
Pressed Scaffolding Fittings
Aluminum scaffolding accessories
Construction scaffolding accessories
Steel scaffolding fittings
scaffolding swivel clamp
tube clamps suppliers
distributor of tube clamps
aluminium tube clamps
Swivel Clamps Galvanized Scaffolding
swivel coupler suppliers
swivel coupler manufacturers
scaffold coupler suppliers
scaffold coupler manufacturers
eas
eas tag
security tags
Electronic article surveillance
eas product
eas antennas
eas rf labels
eas soft tag
EAS System
China Eas Manufacturers
eas lanyards
Eas accessories
eas plastic tag
eas tag factory
eas hard tag
Eas am tag
eas rf tag
eas em tag
Electronic article
surveillance factory
Eas anti-theft tag
eas anti-theft systems
Eas garment tag
eas rf buckle
eas am labels

Solid Bronze Bushing
Sintered Bronze Bushing
Bronze Bar
Cast Bronze Sleeve
Impregnate Bearing
Self-Lubricating Bearing
Sintered Bronze Bush
Sintered Iron Bush
Graphite Filled Bushing
Aluminum Bronze Bushing
Gun Metal Bushing
Bronze Bearings
Bimetallic Materials
Metal-Polymer Materials
Sliding Bearing
Dx bushing
VDI guide element
Guide pillar
guide bushing
NAAMS Pad Bushings
Guided Ejector Bushings
Guide Components
wear plate
SMC wear plate
NAAMS wear plates
JIS wear plates-metric
VDI wear plates-Metric
China manufacturer guide components
bushings
available in a variety of copper alloys
Bimetallic Materials
bronze bearings
CENTRIFUGAL CAST BRONZE
cast bronze sleeve
Centrifugal Cast
Continuous Cast
dry plain bearing
graphite filled bronze bushing
Graphite Parts
gunmetal Bronze bushing
Impregnate bearing
Iron sintered bearing
MADE TO ORDER COPPER ALLOYS
Metal-Polymer Materials
Monometallic Materials
phosphor Bronze bushing
self-lubricating bearing
sintered bronze bearing
sintered bronze bushing
solid bronze bushing
special machine parts

air max

By: zhangchunxia | Fri, 12/23/2011 - 01:45

Prehaps,many people air max 2011 all have experienced the situation.However, the situation is not terrible and there ia not an effect mostly for us,if only we have air griffey max enough patience to wait.It is a real terribe thing that we are out of the life and we can’t live a life owning oursleves.In our air max 2009 world,everything can’t be control by ourseleves,and the success is so tough to get or win,no matter what air max 2012 big or small dreams we have.If we are in such a condition,a favorite pair of jordan air max couldn’t be owned.The simple things become air max command hard.
This kind of life is so confounded that we always want to escape the world.For example,may be more refusions would be met when when we look for air max tailwind a job.During the thing,if we were defeated at the beginning of it,the successful door will close for us forever.But more air max for kids efforts will be done when they came,more chance and more possibility can enter into the hard door.
In our life,some people want to help us when we met some difficulties sincerely,but we refused them.The behavior is air max 95 bad and disadvantage for us.Sometimes,some other’s helpness for us can make become successful in some things.For some sincere person,we should open our heart to them and more happiness we will get.

miu miu bags

By: 1xuntong | Mon, 12/12/2011 - 22:41

Head is a dressed in prada mens bags , the waist is hand wan the wind Huan fog whiskers, hair don't the prada bags on sale. Eyes look unripe brightness, hold the colourful color hearts and beauty.

Just go to the flowers there is a side in prada bags on sale , white clouds scattered with flower skirt, BinFa such as the mist, inclined fork prada vela messenger bag , delicate and charming face like the palace outfit and eyebrow woman.

Golden cherubim prada tote bag 2012 the border of yellow, green hand wan xia ROM peony mist the yarn. Cloud bun I I, wearing , face like month namby-pamby, eyes look unripe brightness, hot heart. Is a natural and graceful and temperament with a expensive gas and fragile woman.

Joaca cele noi si mai bune

By: esuperstar | Sun, 11/27/2011 - 19:15

Joaca cele noi si mai bune jocuri flash.Avem Jocuri tari Friv pe site-ul nostru de
Jocuri online.
Site-ul nostru va ofera
Jocuri tari ,
Jocuri noi.

Daca esti dornic de putina adrenalina avem si jocuri de noroc avem Sizzling hot - Fruit cocktail - Book of ra din categoria Jocuri aparate

,pentru cei dornici de o aventura avem jocuri rpg si Jocuri aventura
,deasemenea pentru fete avem jocuri barbie-jocuri cu papusi iar pentru
baieti avem jocuri cu parcari - jocuri de condus autobuze.
Daca iti plac jocurile de indemanare avem jocuri biliard,
daca esti un copil mai destept avem pt tine jocuri mai grele precum
cel mai greu joc din lume si
jocuri cuburi colorate.Distractie placuta
alaturi de desene animate,desene animate online si alte jocuri : Ferma frenzy 3,Poker ca la aparate,Zuma gold,Diamond mine,Prinde berea si dezbraca fata,Jocuri cu bile colorate,
Jocuri de spalat rufe,Jocuri de gasit obiecte pierdute.
Sponsori : Videochat iasi , Servere cs,Jocuri generator rex ,jocuri barbie,Disney Games.

uggbaileybuttontriplets

By: zhenhua | Tue, 11/22/2011 - 04:44

RE: Get into the Halloween spirit with these 99 cent iPhone Apps

By: pinglun | Mon, 11/21/2011 - 04:25

Polycarbonate sheets
Polycarbonate sheet
pc sheet
Polycarbonate panels
Polycarbonate sheeting
Polycarbonate greenhouse
lexan sheets

pad lock
gun lock
cable lock

car clock
power socket
standby killer

bamboo furniture
bamboo kitchen
bamboo flooring
recliner
sectional sofa
bottle jack
air jack
shop press
bushing
brass bushing

Electric socket
Power board
Power cable
Power cord
Power socket
Power strips
Ratchet straps
Ratchet tiedowm
Solar lighting
Soldering irons

uggskensingtonsale

By: zhenhua | Tue, 11/08/2011 - 20:13

Thoroughly Modern Mommies

Hanna Rosin and Amy Sohn discuss Sohn's new novel Prospect Park West.

Hanna Rosin
|
September 23, 2009

It's a Novel, Not a Popularity Contest

Hanna Rosin and Amy Sohn discuss Sohn's new novel, Prospect Park West.

Amy Sohn
|
September 23, 2009

Brooklyn Moms Still Get Busy

The realistic, enjoyable sex scenes in Amy Sohn’s Prospect Park West.

Hanna Rosin
|
September 24, 2009

Arts

Mommies Want to Have Sex, Just Not With Their Husbands

Comments

Nice to be visiting your agai

By: jakeblake | Wed, 02/08/2012 - 22:57

In this Coach Outlet Online

By: Donna2090 | Sun, 01/01/2012 - 22:32

RE: Get into the Halloween spirit with these 99 cent iPhone Apps

By: pinglun | Fri, 12/30/2011 - 20:49

RE: Get into the Halloween spirit with these 99 cent iPhone Apps

By: pinglun | Fri, 12/30/2011 - 20:48

air max

By: zhangchunxia | Fri, 12/23/2011 - 01:45

miu miu bags

By: 1xuntong | Mon, 12/12/2011 - 22:41

Joaca cele noi si mai bune

By: esuperstar | Sun, 11/27/2011 - 19:15

uggbaileybuttontriplets

By: zhenhua | Tue, 11/22/2011 - 04:44

RE: Get into the Halloween spirit with these 99 cent iPhone Apps

By: pinglun | Mon, 11/21/2011 - 04:25

uggskensingtonsale

By: zhenhua | Tue, 11/08/2011 - 20:13

Related Articles

Thoroughly Modern Mommies

It's a Novel, Not a Popularity Contest

Brooklyn Moms Still Get Busy

DoubleX

The Root

Good Morning America

Washington Post