The Kiss (memoir)

The Kiss is a 2009 memoir by Kathryn Harrison. The book details Harrison's affair with her biological father, whom she met for the first time when she was twenty years old. The memoir explores themes of trauma, identity, familial relationships, and the complexities of memory. Its publication generated significant controversy due to the sensitive and taboo nature of its subject matter. It is notable for its frank and unflinching portrayal of a deeply personal and unsettling experience. The memoir is written from Harrison's perspective, reflecting on the events and their long-term impact on her life.