Book Review: Couples mix in Paris as feminist voices rise in Lauren Elkin’s novel `Scaffolding’ Original Publication Date September 16, 2024 – 10:16 AM If you’re a Francophile with an interest in psychoanalysis, Lauren Elkin’s smart and steamy debut novel, “Scaffolding,” may be for you. Even if you’re just a reader looking for an intriguing story of desire and love among a bright corps of professionals in France, Elkin’s book can be a beguiling puzzle — and a deep intellectual dive. It features a swinging polyamorous cast, but the erudite Elkin — a Franco-American translator, author and essayist on arts and culture — writes with serious intent.

Set in contemporary Paris, the historic sites and charms of the city provide a backdrop for the narrative, mostly told by Anna, a 39-year-old psychoanalyst. She has had a miscarriage and fallen into depression. Taking leave from work, she finds her own psychiatrist of little help. Her husband, David, a lawyer, is away in London, busy with a long Brexit case. Enter Clementine. She’s bright, animated, with a young art model’s physique and a zeal for feminist causes. She’s moved into a nearby apartment with her boyfriend, Jonathan, also a lawyer with a heavy workload. She has time to share with Anna.

This is a scene from a film about a woman’s journey of self-discovery. The scene is set in a Parisian cafe, a classic setting for such a journey. The cafe is a microcosm of Parisian life, reflecting the city’s vibrant culture and its complex social dynamics.

This fragmented narrative style is a deliberate choice by the author, reflecting the fragmented nature of memory itself. The fragmented narrative style is further enhanced by the use of stream-of-consciousness, allowing the reader to experience the protagonist’s thoughts and feelings in a raw and unfiltered manner. The novel’s fragmented narrative style is not merely a stylistic choice; it serves a deeper purpose.

The middle section takes place in the past, in a rural setting, and is dominated by the story of a young girl, Marie, whose life is intertwined with her father’s legacy and her community’s acceptance. Here’s a breakdown of the story’s three sections:

**1. Modern Paris:**

* **Setting:** The present day in Paris, France, specifically focusing on the diverse and vibrant streets of the city.

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