The Dry Season

The Dry Season: A Memoir of Pleasure in a Year Without Sex by Melissa Febos is a deeply personal and thought-provoking exploration of celibacy, desire, and self-discovery. In this memoir, Febos recounts her choice to spend an entire year without sex, a decision she made to break free from cycles of constant infatuation and instant gratification. What begins as an experiment in abstinence quickly transforms into an unexpectedly rich and sensual journey.

Through a blend of intimate storytelling and sharp cultural reflection, Febos examines not only her own relationship with sex and romance but also how these themes connect to broader ideas of identity, addiction, and empowerment. She reflects on how sexuality intersects with creativity, spirituality, and history, weaving in stories of women from Western European traditions such as Hildegard von Bingen, the beguines, and Virginia Woolf.

Rather than simply advocating abstinence, Febos’s goal is to reclaim control over her sexuality, a tool that has played a significant role in feminist thought. The memoir moves between personal anecdotes, philosophical musings, and conversations with friends and lovers, offering a candid look at the complexity of pleasure and self-understanding.

Some readers have found the book’s vignette style and thematic repetition challenging, wishing for a more structured narrative. Yet, Febos’s distinctive voice and insightful observations continue to draw interest, encouraging exploration of her other works to fully appreciate her style and perspective.

If you’re curious about themes of desire, control, and the intricate dance between body and mind, The Dry Season invites you to join Melissa Febos on a year that redefined pleasure in unexpected ways.