This analysis was generated by AI from publicly available reader reviews, literary criticism, and book discussions. It has not been verified by a BookLens community reviewer and may contain errors. Be the first to verify →
Content snapshot
Flag an inaccuracy →What's in this book, at a glance — five things readers want to know before they start.
Violence
Barely any
No significant violence
Language
Barely any
Mild language in the literary fiction register
Sexual Content
Some
An extramarital affair is the novel's center; adult romantic and sexual content
Substance Use
None
No substance use
Emotional Intensity
Some
The spiritual and emotional crisis of a woman who has suppressed her own desires creates the novel's psychological core
What this book is about
Sue Monk Kidd's second novel follows Jessie Sullivan, a married woman who returns to a South Carolina sea island when her mother cuts off her finger in a strange episode. On the island, Jessie becomes entangled with a monk at the nearby monastery and embarks on a passionate affair. Kidd weaves together spiritual seeking, feminine identity, and the costs of a life unlived. The novel is literary and adult in its treatment of the affair. For readers who loved The Secret Life of Bees.
Notes for sensitive readers
Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.
Extramarital affair as central plot
Reader Verification
Be the first to verify
this rating
Have you read The mermaid chair? Submit a community rating to confirm or correct the AI estimate. Your review helps other readers make an informed choice.
Rate this book →Free · ~5 minutes · No account required
Similar reads
More Contemporary Fiction books from the catalog.
Think this AI estimate is off?
Flag an inaccuracy →Where to Buy
Affiliate links — BookLens earns a small commission at no extra cost to you.