The Eternal Struggle: An Amorous Story

Updated 6.1.23: The story first appeared in third person, but a year ago I changed the storytelling to first person. The narrative is set in Stockholm, Sweden in the early 70s. I've chosen the categories literary, contemporary & historical fiction

    The story presents a psychological portrait of gender struggle between the two main characters, James is from the Caribbean and Maud is from Sweden. Both are full of themselves––two ego-strippers. The storytelling is character-driven, and the plot has a few surprises. 

    For years, James behaved like a playboy, shying away from a meaningful relationship until he began to feel like "a sex machine" and lonely. The time to turn a new page in his life had arrived. He had lost faith in meeting the right woman.

    James then meets a woman of his dreams - she's attractive and intellectually stimulating. His old seductive tricks become a threat, but James is disciplined. On the first date, a heated discussion erupts, which threatens his dream.

    James and Maud are argumentative and egoistic, and wage a battle of sexual politics against the other. Whether feminist Maud will stick to her gun or succumb to her affections remains a question. Former lady's man James has the choice of compromising to achieve his desire, by letting go of misogynistic inclinations – or walking away in despair.

Opposites do attract. Solid 5 stars.

Byvermont reviewer on February 5, 2017

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The main character in the story James certainly could be described as a ladies man. He finds out that love is just around the corner and his life is about to be changed when he meets Maud Magnusson who is a journalist and also a feminist. James finds that a more meaningful relationship can be developed with someone who is much different than those whom he had met previously. One of my favorite lines from the story. "The only lies for which we are truly punished are those we tell ourselves." James had a goal in his life to become a writer. Another line that I liked. "In general, people aren't good in giving up bad habits!" I wondered what kind of relationship James and Maud would have? The old adage opposites attract certainly holds true. One more line that I liked "Guilt is an emotion that people experience because they're convinced they've caused harm." The references to the music really added to the story. Both characters had enough flaws to have the readers relate to them. Lawrence G. Taylor shows his readers a great story through his characters. I look forward to reading more works by Mr. Taylor. I have rated this one a solid 5 stars.