Sex and Literary Fiction

Descriptions of kinky sex and lurid covers aren't just for romance novels and erotica anymore.

First-time author Melanie Abrams' recently published novel PLAYING is described as "[p]art erotica, part chick or mommy lit, part memoir-mimicking confession of childhood sexuality and trauma," and has a cover featuring a tied-up blonde laying on "sensually rumpled burgundy satin sheets."

Abrams is not alone, either. The article notes, "Tom Wolfe indulgently explored coed hookup culture in 'I Am Charlotte Simmons.' Walter Mosley's 'sexistential novel,' 'Killing Johnny Fry,' starts with sodomy and gets dirtier and darker from there. Later this year, Chuck Palahniuk will publish 'Snuff,' about a female porn star's attempt at a record for most sex partners in one day, partially told from the perspective of participant No. 600."

Even the romance genre is getting edgier, they say. (Though don't tell that to the Christian romance writers, in whose work "bodices remain resolutely un-ripped and couples politely shake hands on the ladies' doorsteps after a night on the town.")

But, of course, controversial sex in literature isn't really all that new, is it? Remember LOLITA or LADY CHATTERLY'S LOVER. It's pretty much a question of degree.