Geography of an Adultery – Love in Small Spaces

Agnès Riva’s novel, Geography of an Adultery, may serve as a wakeup call for those involved in intense, yet unsatisfying, affairs. For the faithful, it provides a glimpse into what they’re missing. In brief – not much. Em, a young woman, is involved with Paul, her older boss. Why she’s engaged in this illicit dalliance, is the question she keeps asking herself. While she professes to love him, she seems to love more the adrenalin rush she gets from tempting fate – groping each other in small public spaces where they might be discovered. As their fling continues, Em becomes bolder, even showing up at his home when his wife might appear at any moment.

We learn little about Em’s marriage or about her young son. Why is she so unhappy with what she has that she risks everything for this relationship? And what about Paul? His motives are even more obtuse. Neither one seems to be into it for the sex. Little happens between the sheets. In fact, sheets are notably missing since few of their trysts happen in bed. Rather, the two seem to prefer nooks and crannies, whether in public or in their homes, where they can squeeze themselves into a small space with little room for grand gestures.

Yet, how many people engage in affairs that resemble Em’s? Once committed, it’s tough to leave. Em keeps trying to inject some excitement into the affair. She finds back routes to Paul’s house, spying on him when they are not together. When they do meet, she holds back from pushing him to explain his intentions. Soon, the idea of a hidden romance seems more enticing than the romance itself.  

Agnès Riva (Photo Credit: Francesca Mantovani)

Riva writes beautifully, one of the reasons to stick with this story. Her descriptions of where the couple meet are so filled with detail that we can almost feel the roughness of the bricks, the smell of the paint. She’s adept at getting into the head of her protagonist. We ride along on Em’s emotional roller-coaster, feeling her frustration when her expectations for a thrilling rendezvous are not met. She longs for Paul to rent a hotel room, but when he does, the afternoon is not only disappointing, but humiliating. 

John Cullen who translated the novel from the French died on April 15, 2021. An editor’s note includes a tribute to this skilled translator whose work on Geography of an Adultery was his last, and perhaps, best work.

Geography of an Adultery
Agnès Riva
Translated by John Cullen

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