Sex Appeal by Lucia Berlin

Do you know about the cup sizes and all? - Frank Costanza

Lucia Berlin's "Sex Appeal" is a darkly humorous coming-of-age tale that doubles as a nostalgic, slightly disturbing stroll through the awkward, confusing haze of puberty. The narrator takes us back to her early teenage years, trailing behind her glamorous older cousin Bella Lynn—a determined young woman with her sights set on landing a rich husband at a local golf tournament. As the narrator observes Bella Lynn’s masterclass in flirtation, she begins to grasp the surprising, complex power of female sexuality, all while delivering humorous commentary that steals the show.

With Berlin’s signature wit and deeply empathetic touch, the story breathes life into its flawed, yet relatable human characters. It’s funny and uncomfortably honest, unapologetic in depicting the reality of growing up female in a world where men hold the cards—or at least think they do. Berlin doesn’t shy away from the hard truths: men are sexual deviants, toxic masculinity looms large, consent isn’t always a consideration, and power dynamics are skewed. However flawed, Bella Lynn’s boisterous charm and sexuality is an attempt to reclaim a sense of control. Berlin captures it all with humor, heart, and just the right dose of scornful derision. 

Something about this story feels just a little off, like it's missing that final spark to make it truly great. While Berlin’s writing is as concise and evocative as ever, it doesn’t quite capture her usual magic—a seamless mix of poetic elegance and stark realism. Instead, it feels a bit too slight and silly, like a whimsical experiment that doesn’t fully stick the landing. It’s charming in its quirky way, but it doesn’t hit the same emotional depth Berlin so often delivers.