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boudre32's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
happyreaderliv's review against another edition
4.0
This book was funny and informative, but the title really does it a disservice. It implies that this is a grand overview of the history of sex, which I suppose it tries to be. But it is still incredibly limited in scope. The author uses linguistics and anthropology to do deep dives into specific subjects as a way of exploring larger themes in the history of sex. I think this is a cool technique!
Unfortunately her research is overwhelmingly focused on U.K. social and legal history. I happen to know a lot about British social/legal history so it was all well and good to me, but I would have preferred a more broad point of view. There are entire facets of this topic that she gives barely a passing mention (sexual violence, same-sex relationships, sexual education, and many others). The marketing of the book is not her fault, and really, I loved this. I was just sorry to find that it was more narrowly focused than I would have preferred.
I highly recommend the audiobook.
Unfortunately her research is overwhelmingly focused on U.K. social and legal history. I happen to know a lot about British social/legal history so it was all well and good to me, but I would have preferred a more broad point of view. There are entire facets of this topic that she gives barely a passing mention (sexual violence, same-sex relationships, sexual education, and many others). The marketing of the book is not her fault, and really, I loved this. I was just sorry to find that it was more narrowly focused than I would have preferred.
I highly recommend the audiobook.
bexgadd's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
It's such an interesting insight into historical and modern perspectives on sex. Lister is reflective and honest without being too overwhelming. A great book for if you're starting out with the subject, or are looking to get another perspective on sex and its history.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Medical trauma, and Abortion
bekjxx's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
raye_guns's review against another edition
dark
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.5
Kate Lister has a good pace and a nice voice to listen to. She has good comedic timing with the various slang terms to keep the history lesson going.
The author provides an informative and well researched look at the sexual history of mostly Victorian Era England.
A fascinating read.
The author provides an informative and well researched look at the sexual history of mostly Victorian Era England.
A fascinating read.