Praise for DEPTH CONTROL
“Frank in its imagery, intoxicating in its language, Depth Control is an examination of sublime rupture that is both physical and ephemeral—a vivisection of the self and its desires, injuries, acceptances, and rejections. Westerfield draws us into that hypnotic state between waking and sleep, where terror and joy are separated by the most delicate of membranes. Enthralling, daring, vulnerable, and seductive, these essays push past the boundaries of contemplation and into the realm of sorcery and enchantment.”
Kim Barnes
Author of In the Wilderness: Coming of Age in Unknown Country
Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize
About the Book
Depth Control is an experimental exploration by an essayist, aiming to make sense of and reflect on personal identity, belonging, and the choices that shape us. It captures a rich, sensory understanding of coming of age, experiencing sexuality, contemplating gender, and navigating relationships. While the themes may be timeless—a young woman finding her way, understanding her body, and dealing with the end of one relationship while considering new ones—the narrative itself breaks traditional forms, seamlessly blending different modes of existence. Throughout, the body remains central, serving as the primary means of engaging with and understanding the world.
About the Author
Lauren W. Westerfield is a writer from Northern California. She teaches at Washington State University, where she serves as Editor-in-chief of Blood Orange Review, and lives in Spokane, Washington.