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Find out moreIt could be said that we are in a Golden Age for Provocative fiction. With more and more authors releasing books that explore the various realms of sexuality while still offering social commentary and a concentrated examination of human feelings and attitudes throughout. Indulge your secretive sensual side, peek into the lives of others and explore a complex pleasure of human existence. Find out more in our adult fiction category.
You have probably caught some of the coverage for this book. It first appeared as a web diary and then there was much speculation as to whom the author might be. To date she remains anonymous, even through the book deal. Smart girl. What she does here is to expand on her web diary and give more on her life, her ‘calling’ and her origins. It’s very explicit, very chatty and not the sort of thing you want to read in one sitting for it’s a tad repetitive.Comparison: Catherine Millet Similar this month: None. Featured on The Book Show on Sky Arts on 26 November 2009. Exclusive to Lovereading Click the screen below to watch the full interview with Belle de Jour.
Rumoured to be based on personal experiences, this is quite a tale. Sexually explicit, highly instructional and charmingly tongue-in-cheek, it is the frank diary of a newly engaged, sweet copy-editor battling with wedding plans and pending in-laws while earning a hard crust as a high-class prostitute. Both fascinating and fun.Comparison: Belle de Jour, Catherine M.Similar this month: None.
As the title hints its heavily sadomasochistic and surprisingly autobiographical. You have been warned but if you are in the mood…
For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey - the international bestseller - an explosive novel of sex, secrecy and escape. 'You've never been in control, until now; you've never, before, had exactly what you want...The lights turned off. A touch that's gentle, slow, provocative, that builds you up, that makes you want it too much...' Imagine on honeymoon, lulled by sultry heat and the promise of a lifetime's happiness, you discover a shocking secret about your husband. But instead of destroying you, the knowledge brings freedom; the freedom to bare your soul, explore your deepest desires and discover what you really want. THE BRIDE STRIPPED BARE is the story of a passionate sexual awakening, as erotic as it is dangerous. The seduction goes further when a married woman recalls her first love affair in Nikki Gemmell's WITH MY BODY...
GEORGES BATAILLE - Some would say the French have always had a discerning touch for the sexual as well as the bizarre and Bataille’s THE STORY OF THE EYE, imbued by the excesses of surrealism take sex into another dimension. Not for every palate but adds a fascinating philosophical layer to matters of the flesh. A controversial modern classic.
ANAIS NIN - The famous diarist wrote the stories in DELTA OF VENUS, and other collections, specifically to order for a discerning rich collector of erotica and they have since become delicate classics, combining the sheer delicacy of female sexuality and a strong sense of place and nostalgia. A wonderful example of how erotica is ideally suited for the subtlety of the fictional female voice. Visit our 'Women's Words - 60+ works of feminist-minded fiction' to explore our collection of feminist-minded fiction from around the world, and across centuries.
PAULINE REAGE - STORY OF O is, of course, one of erotica’s perennial classics but its importance should never be overlooked. The tale of a young woman who gives in to her submissive nature and undergoes a sexual quest with no equal that can still shock to this day, it also raises fundamental questions about the nature of sexuality and relationships, even if you are not into whips and intimate piercings.
Literature has addressed sex throughout history. The joys and complexities are shown in 'The Song of Solomon' in the Bible. Byron, Chacer and Donne are famous for their compemplations on sex and desire.
Provocative prose is not simply pornographic, and product created simply to excite and arouse. Provocative prose stands apart as it is able to offer excitement while also deliviering social commentary and an examination of human feelings and behaviour. This genre can help you to think more deeply about sex, desire and how are attitudes to this topic are formed and what impact they have.
One of the most famous literary erotica would be Lady Chatterly's Lover by D.H. Lawrence, which manages to combine titilation and provocation while also offering character development, and an examination of the theme.
While some will still find these books shocking and a step too far. However there are marvelous modern authors such as Henry Miller, Anais Nin, and Annie Rice with her 'Sleeping Beauty' series which was published under the name Anne Roquelaure. With the development and exploration of this genre, there is a wide and varied selection of books for those interested in indulging.