In their debut novel Dirty Diana, lifelong friends Jen Besser and Shana Feste craft an intimate and unflinching portrait of a marriage at a crossroads. Building on the success of their award-winning podcast of the same name, they deliver a story that masterfully balances raw honesty with moments of genuine humor and hope.
The Heart of the Story
Diana Wood appears to have it all – a stable career in finance, a loving husband Oliver, and an adorable daughter Emmy. But beneath the polished surface of her Dallas life lurks a growing disconnect between who she once was and who she’s become. When she discovers her husband has been secretly visiting strip clubs, it catalyzes a journey of sexual and artistic rediscovery that forces them both to confront difficult truths about desire, intimacy, and the evolving nature of long-term relationships.
Writing Style & Narrative Structure
The authors demonstrate remarkable skill in crafting authentic dialogue and internal monologue. The narrative alternates between Diana’s present struggles and flashbacks to her earlier life as an aspiring artist in Santa Fe, creating a rich tapestry that reveals how past choices and compromises shape current circumstances.
Strengths
- Emotionally resonant characterization
- Natural dialogue that rings true
- Deft handling of intimate scenes
- Strong sense of place in both Dallas and Santa Fe settings
- Complex exploration of female sexuality and desire
Areas for Growth
- Some secondary character arcs feel underdeveloped
- Pacing occasionally lags in the middle sections
- The resolution may feel too neat for some readers
- Certain plot points strain credibility
Themes & Symbolism
The novel explores several interconnected themes:
- The tension between safety and passion
- Art as an expression of authentic self
- The role of fantasy in long-term relationships
- Female sexuality and societal expectations
- The complexity of modern marriage
Character Development
Diana
The protagonist’s journey from repression to rediscovery is compelling, though sometimes frustrating. Her artistic awakening parallels her sexual reawakening in interesting ways, but her decision-making can feel erratic.
Oliver
While initially presented as the stable, dependable husband, Oliver’s character gains complexity as the story progresses. His own struggles with identity and desire mirror Diana’s in subtle ways.
Supporting Cast
The secondary characters, particularly L’Wren and Raleigh, add depth to the narrative while highlighting different aspects of marriage and sexuality. However, some, like Alicia, feel underutilized despite their potential.
Impact & Relevance
Dirty Diana arrives at a time when discussions about female desire and agency are increasingly prevalent in contemporary fiction. While it treads similar ground as works like Lisa Taddeo’s Three Women or Sally Rooney’s Normal People, it carves out its own niche by focusing specifically on desire within long-term marriage.
What Sets It Apart
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its unflinching examination of marriage’s intimate moments – both physical and emotional. The authors avoid easy answers or moral judgments, instead presenting a nuanced portrait of two people struggling to reconnect.
Critical Analysis
The Good
- Fresh perspective on marriage and sexuality
- Strong character voice
- Effective use of past/present narrative structure
- Authentic dialogue
- Bold handling of intimate scenes
The Less Successful
- Some plot conveniences
- Occasional pacing issues
- Uneven character development
- Resolution feels rushed
Target Audience
This book will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Contemporary relationship fiction
- Explorations of marriage and sexuality
- Stories about artistic awakening
- Complex female protagonists
- Dallas/Southwest settings
Comparison to Similar Works
While Dirty Diana shares DNA with works like Scenes from a Marriage and Marriage Story, it distinguishes itself through its focus on female desire and artistic expression. The authors’ background in both publishing and film brings a unique perspective to the narrative.
Cultural Context & Relevance
The novel tackles timely themes around marriage, sexuality, and female agency while avoiding obvious political statements. Its exploration of how technology and social media impact modern relationships feels particularly relevant.
Final Verdict
Dirty Diana is an ambitious debut that largely succeeds in its goals. While not perfect, it offers a fresh perspective on marriage and desire that will resonate with many readers. The authors’ willingness to explore uncomfortable truths while maintaining empathy for their characters is admirable.
Recommendations
This book is recommended for:
- Fans of contemporary relationship fiction
- Readers interested in female sexuality and desire
- Those who enjoy stories about artistic awakening
- Anyone seeking a fresh perspective on modern marriage
Looking Forward
As the first book in a planned trilogy, Dirty Diana sets up interesting possibilities for future exploration. The upcoming sequels (Diana in Love and Diana Says Yes) promise to further develop these themes and characters.
Conclusion
Despite its flaws, Dirty Diana marks an impressive debut from Besser and Feste. Their willingness to tackle complex themes while maintaining accessibility makes this a noteworthy addition to contemporary relationship fiction. While not every narrative choice lands perfectly, the novel’s emotional honesty and compelling characterization make it a worthwhile read for those interested in modern relationships and female sexuality.