SINGLED OUT: A Civilized Guide to Sex and Sensibility for the Suddenly Single Man--or Woman

by Richard Schickel ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1981

Less a guide than a wry running commentary by a film critic who divorced after 15 years of marriage and lived to tell the tale. One of Schickel's near-assumptions is that most men (to whom the book is chiefly directed--despite the subtitle) will go through a period of one-night stands after the breakup, followed by a quest for more committed relationships (not necessarily marriage)--and therefore by complication, misunderstandings, more breakups. What we see--humorous aspects and all--is the adventure-bound male, probably insecure because of his years out of circulation, about to discover how suave and desirable he can be once he's truly disentangled. Indeed, the newly liberated male will soon discover that ""It is not considered good form to go on and on about the late unpleasantness at home""; still he may find a ""Transitional Woman"" to help restore his self-esteem before he goes on to bigger and better conquests. Here and there, Schickel makes an observation of more than passing interest--an affair's viability, he suggests, can ultimately be tested by whether both partners are ready for the same ""pleasantries and conveniences"" at about the same time. But, by and large, this expansion of an Esquire piece is a case of enlarging upon very little--that might better have been left to the club-car reader.

Pub Date: April 1, 1981

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Viking

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1981

Categories: NONFICTION