I’ve been on an historic erotic epistolary kick. James Joyce and Nora Barnacle. Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf. The Nin - Miller ones are golden too, of course.
The Lover is one of my all time favorites—and agree that Updike can do surprisingly sexy things. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is also super hot with a riveting narrative.
Bookmarked! Thank you. But what about the constant stream of new releases of literary erotica like the ones featured on BookTok?! There's a glorious avalanche of fresh smut out there! My partner typically is way more open to erotica in the context of a comedy than anything one could describe as "philosophical" and I love your POV
Hi Madeline! I have not yet read the new smuts out there but they’re on my list and when I do I surely will publish another newsletter on it. Finding your smut genre and style is so important so I am all for reading anything that entices you :)
I haven't read any of these, but your descriptions leave me with a different sort of TBR now. As for my own reading, I feel I lean a bit more on the popular side of the house. I question whether Lolita is erotica, but I read it specifically to see how an author deals with an unsettling topic, and like the other novels I will mention, it sits happily in my bookcase now because it was definitely worth the read.
That said, my favorite work of erotica is a toss-up, really. I'm torn between Anne Rice's Sleeping Beauty series, which probably sparked my interest in writing erotica, and Anne Rice's Exit to Eden, which is likely more appropriately categorized as erotic romance. I'm not sure if there's a difference.
Either way, Beauty's journey is epic, and it's been my inspiration to write not just erotica, but erotic fantasy, erotic sci-fi, erotic mystery and erotic horror. I really like the idea of telling a deeper story and blending elements of other genres into the tale. I loved Exit to Eden simply because I like the romance between Lisa and Elliott.
In my The Fictional: After Dark Substack, I'm aiming for a diverse range of stories and hoping they do the genre justice.
There is something delicious about naming desire without apology.
I appreciate that this list treats erotica not as spectacle but as inquiry. Power, shame, hunger, imagination. These books are not simply about bodies touching. They are about what is revealed when we let ourselves want.
It is also refreshing to see pleasure framed as literacy rather than indulgence. The brain is the largest sexual organ, yes, but it is also the most policed. Women have long been permitted to endure sex on the page. Enjoying it has been another matter entirely.
What I love most here is the insistence that erotic writing can be philosophical without losing heat. That longing can be art. That kink can be a form of truth-telling.
Desire is not trivial. It is diagnostic. It shows us where we feel powerful, where we feel small, where we feel alive.
And any bookshelf that acknowledges that is worth lingering over.
I love the list and have only read Nin so plenty more to explore. I love this line “How longing can both define and destroy a life. It’s an exploration of power, shame, and the hunger to be seen.” captivating & powerful, great post!
I'm a Spy in the House of Love gal, myself. Fun list. I'm most into true stories lately.
Ohh any true story books you recommend?
I’ve been on an historic erotic epistolary kick. James Joyce and Nora Barnacle. Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf. The Nin - Miller ones are golden too, of course.
The Lover is one of my all time favorites—and agree that Updike can do surprisingly sexy things. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is also super hot with a riveting narrative.
Adding Americanah to my reading list!
Bookmarked! Thank you. But what about the constant stream of new releases of literary erotica like the ones featured on BookTok?! There's a glorious avalanche of fresh smut out there! My partner typically is way more open to erotica in the context of a comedy than anything one could describe as "philosophical" and I love your POV
Hi Madeline! I have not yet read the new smuts out there but they’re on my list and when I do I surely will publish another newsletter on it. Finding your smut genre and style is so important so I am all for reading anything that entices you :)
Thank you! I loved the film version of The Lover and now want to read the book. I want to read several of these!
So happy this inspires you!
You had me at Anaïs Nin. 😍 Love Delta of Venus. I have both that one and Little Birds. Thanks for the great post!
Little Birds is also a loved one! And thank you!
Please don't judge - but which of these is the most accessible? Easiest to read, so to speak. I like plain straight forward writing. VT x
Jim Salter is exceptional, a master and my favorite author whether its sex or food or both.
I haven't read any of these, but your descriptions leave me with a different sort of TBR now. As for my own reading, I feel I lean a bit more on the popular side of the house. I question whether Lolita is erotica, but I read it specifically to see how an author deals with an unsettling topic, and like the other novels I will mention, it sits happily in my bookcase now because it was definitely worth the read.
That said, my favorite work of erotica is a toss-up, really. I'm torn between Anne Rice's Sleeping Beauty series, which probably sparked my interest in writing erotica, and Anne Rice's Exit to Eden, which is likely more appropriately categorized as erotic romance. I'm not sure if there's a difference.
Either way, Beauty's journey is epic, and it's been my inspiration to write not just erotica, but erotic fantasy, erotic sci-fi, erotic mystery and erotic horror. I really like the idea of telling a deeper story and blending elements of other genres into the tale. I loved Exit to Eden simply because I like the romance between Lisa and Elliott.
In my The Fictional: After Dark Substack, I'm aiming for a diverse range of stories and hoping they do the genre justice.
There is something delicious about naming desire without apology.
I appreciate that this list treats erotica not as spectacle but as inquiry. Power, shame, hunger, imagination. These books are not simply about bodies touching. They are about what is revealed when we let ourselves want.
It is also refreshing to see pleasure framed as literacy rather than indulgence. The brain is the largest sexual organ, yes, but it is also the most policed. Women have long been permitted to endure sex on the page. Enjoying it has been another matter entirely.
What I love most here is the insistence that erotic writing can be philosophical without losing heat. That longing can be art. That kink can be a form of truth-telling.
Desire is not trivial. It is diagnostic. It shows us where we feel powerful, where we feel small, where we feel alive.
And any bookshelf that acknowledges that is worth lingering over.
May I throw myself into the mix?
https://substack.com/@milkygoddess/note/p-185595358?r=6wces8
Hey thx for the Reading Checklist. You are so Cool.
Great list! A Sport and Pastime is one of my favourites. 🔥
All you need is this perfect picture with your post, and you have erotica laid out in your lap.
Some great titles here!
What a wonderful write up thank you
I love the list and have only read Nin so plenty more to explore. I love this line “How longing can both define and destroy a life. It’s an exploration of power, shame, and the hunger to be seen.” captivating & powerful, great post!