Reviews

Prayer-Cushions of the Flesh by Robert Irwin

aditurbo's review

5.0

A very intriguing novella. Some here claimed that it was porn. But I don't think it is. It does have a lot of sensuality and eroticism in it, but I believe it to be a metaphor for the whole theme of the book, which is fantasy. Can you fantasize so hard that you make your fantasies come true, and even get yourself out of an oppressive existence? Can you tell the difference between fantasy and reality? And what if your fantasy does come true - is it really what you wanted, or would you do anything in your power to get out of it? Everything is a fantasy in this book, not just the sex. The whole setting is an oriental fantasy which has very little to do with historical or geographical reality. This is not the real "East", but the east of our dreams, on which others have already commented (Edward Said, for example). I thought Irwin played with the theme of this book very cleverly, and that he is a wonderful master of words. It is a unique and original read that isn't for everyone, but is certainly for me.

daphnelee's review

3.0

No, I wouldn't quite call this porn - perhaps an erotic comedy instead? The descriptions are vivid and sensuous, overwhelming in their detail. You are carried away by a torrent of imagined sights, smells and sounds, but not by lust. Well, in any case, I wasn't even mildly turned on by this novella, but I found it entertaining, fascinating and extremely funny.

However, the end was disappointing as the denouement doesn't live up to what earlier events promise. I had higher hopes of mystery, mysticism and magic.

Still, Emerald the Eunuch's stories about his life and the harem are alone worth your time and money.