Mary Gaitskill’s Bad Behaviour is a collection of dark, incisive short stories that explore power, desire, and human relationships with brutal honesty. Originally published in 1988, this debut collection gained critical acclaim for its unflinching portrayal of sexuality, emotional isolation, and the often-destructive dynamics between men and women.

Set against the backdrop of 1980s New York, these stories delve into the lives of characters navigating fraught romantic entanglements, professional ambition, and personal disillusionment. The most famous story, Secretary, later inspired the 2002 film starring Maggie Gyllenhaal, and captures the uneasy blend of submission, agency, and taboo desires.

Gaitskill’s writing is sharp, unsettling, and deeply psychological, exposing the vulnerabilities and contradictions in human behavior without moral judgment.

Why read this book?

• A fearless exploration of power, intimacy, and the complexities of human relationships.

• Unapologetically raw and provocative, challenging conventional ideas about sex, gender, and personal agency.

• A landmark in feminist and literary fiction, influencing writers tackling themes of emotional and physical vulnerability.

• Gaitskill’s distinctive prose is both lyrical and piercing, drawing readers into the minds of flawed yet compelling characters.

About the Author

Mary Gaitskill (b. 1954) is an American writer known for her unfiltered approach to themes of sexuality, power, and human longing. Her works, including Two Girls, Fat and Thin, Veronica, and This Is Pleasure, have cemented her reputation as a daring and insightful voice in contemporary literature. Gaitskill’s fiction often challenges social taboos, offering a brutally honest yet empathetic look at the complexities of desire and emotional pain.