Dirty Diana marks the literary debut of longtime friends and creative collaborators Jen Besser and Shana Feste, expanding their acclaimed erotic podcast into a compelling contemporary novel. This first installment in a planned trilogy offers an intimate look at modern marriage, female sexuality, and the complex journey of rediscovering oneself amid the comfortable routines of domestic life.
Plot & Premise
Diana Wood seems to have it all—a successful career in finance, a loving husband Oliver, and an adorable daughter Emmy. But beneath the polished surface of her Dallas suburban life, Diana grapples with a growing sense of disconnection, particularly in her physical relationship with Oliver. When she stumbles upon old recordings from her days as an aspiring artist interviewing women about their intimate desires, Diana begins questioning whether “fine” is enough for her marriage.
The story takes an unexpected turn when Oliver’s secret visits to a strip club come to light, catalyzing both conflict and an awakening in Diana. As she launches an anonymous erotic storytelling website called “Dirty Diana,” she must navigate the delicate balance between reclaiming her artistic passion and preserving her marriage.
Writing Style & Narrative Structure
Besser and Feste demonstrate remarkable synergy in their collaborative writing, seamlessly weaving between present-day scenes and flashbacks to Diana’s earlier life in Santa Fe. The prose strikes an engaging balance between introspective moments and snappy dialogue, though occasionally the pacing feels uneven, particularly in the middle sections.
Strengths
- Authentic portrayal of long-term relationship dynamics
- Rich, multidimensional female friendships
- Thoughtful exploration of sexuality and art
- Strong character development, especially for Diana
- Natural, flowing dialogue
Areas for Improvement
- Some supporting characters feel underdeveloped
- The ending leaves several threads unresolved (likely setting up for sequels)
- Certain plot points strain credibility
- Occasional heavy-handed metaphors
Character Analysis
Diana
The authors excel in crafting Diana as a relatable yet complex protagonist. Her struggle between maintaining stability and pursuing passion resonates authentically, though her decision-making sometimes frustrates readers. The evolution of her character from passive acceptance to active self-discovery forms the emotional core of the novel.
Oliver
Oliver’s character presents an interesting study in contradictions – both sympathetic and flawed. While his actions often seem selfish, the authors provide enough context to make his perspective understandable, if not always agreeable.
Supporting Cast
The novel benefits from a strong ensemble cast, particularly Diana’s friend L’Wren, whose loyalty and humor provide welcome relief from heavier moments. However, some characters, like Raleigh, feel more plot device than fully realized person.
Themes & Deeper Message
The novel thoughtfully explores several interconnected themes:
- The tension between security and passion in long-term relationships
- Female sexuality and desire beyond conventional narratives
- Art as a medium for self-discovery
- The complexity of modern marriage
- Friendship as a source of strength and identity
Impact & Relevance
In an era where discussions about female sexuality and desire are increasingly open, Dirty Diana makes a timely contribution to the conversation. The novel’s frank treatment of marriage, desire, and self-discovery will likely resonate with readers seeking stories that reflect the complexities of modern relationships.
Similar Works & Context
Fans of Lisa Taddeo’s Three Women or Meg Wolitzer’s The Female Persuasion will find familiar themes explored here. The novel also shares DNA with erotic literature like Sylvia Day’s Crossfire series, though with a more grounded, contemporary approach.
Technical Elements
- Pacing: Generally well-maintained, though middle sections drag
- Dialogue: Natural and engaging
- Character Development: Strong for protagonists, uneven for supporting cast
- World-Building: Vivid depiction of Dallas suburban life
- Emotional Impact: Effectively constructed with meaningful payoffs
Literary Analysis
What Works
- Compelling exploration of marriage and desire
- Strong character voice
- Authentic female friendships
- Engaging narrative structure
What Could Be Better
- Some underdeveloped plot threads
- Occasional pacing issues
- Supporting character development
- Resolution feels rushed
Final Verdict
Dirty Diana offers a refreshingly honest look at marriage, desire, and self-discovery. While not without flaws, the novel succeeds in creating a compelling narrative that will leave readers invested in Diana’s journey. The authors’ experience in both publishing and screenwriting shows in the polished prose and cinematic scenes.
Recommended For
- Readers interested in contemporary marriage stories
- Fans of relationship-focused fiction
- Those who enjoy exploring themes of female sexuality and desire
- Anyone seeking a fresh take on modern romance
May Not Appeal To
- Readers preferring traditional romance narratives
- Those seeking complete resolution (as this is part of a trilogy)
- Readers sensitive to explicit content
Looking Forward
As the first installment in a trilogy, Dirty Diana effectively sets up larger story arcs while maintaining its own narrative integrity. The upcoming sequels, Diana in Love and Diana Says Yes, promise to further explore the consequences of Diana’s choices and her journey of self-discovery.
Conclusion
Despite some shortcomings, Dirty Diana marks an impressive literary debut for Besser and Feste. The novel’s fresh perspective on marriage and desire, combined with strong character work and engaging prose, makes it a worthwhile read for fans of contemporary fiction. While the ending may leave some readers wanting more immediate resolution, it effectively sets the stage for the continuing trilogy.