A Scarcity of Love

Anna Kavan

1956

June, 2026

4/10

The book follows a clear theme: the title taken literally. The stories depict experiences devoid of love. In typical Anna Kavan style, the world of the characters is elucidated vividly and emotionally. If I had to criticize this book, I would say we — the reader — get a little too stuck in the characters’ heads.

However, the writing is excellent, and the focus on inner worlds makes for a unique and emotional read. Kavan always does an excellent job of not just demonstrating what people think and what they feel, but also how they think and why they feel what they do.

At this moment of sick sadness, the scarcity of love from which she had suffered ever since, and even before, her birth, made itself felt in the form of a childish longing for the petting and comforting she had never known.

The book continues with stories of lack of love and emotional abuse until the end where the conclusion is sad and wry, as to be expected.

I wouldn’t really recommend the book other than as part of Anna Kavan’s complete works. I can’t say I really enjoyed it. To me, it read as a catharsis more than anything. Which makes it interesting, but, unfortunately, not necessarily enjoyable.