A review by thatgirlinblack
Kinky History by Esmé Louise James

adventurous challenging funny informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

Picked this up because I enjoy the author’s content on TikTok. It’s a super detailed, well researched, vibrantly told look at various and taboo aspects of sex throughout history. There’s really nothing new under the sun, as it turns out, unless it’s (usually religious males) trying to control everyone else’s sexuality. 

While others didn’t like the historical dinner party format, I thought it was a clever way to unfurl the information and allow various historical figures who had an impact on these topics sort of enter and flow through the conversations where relevant. 

The writing is also sharp, punny and hilarious; it was a real treat hearing the author read the book herself. 

“Empathy is at the heart of sexuality — or at least it should be.”