Nymph

So, I bought and read Nymph, the new book of erotica by Francesca Lia Block. I have to say, I liked it very much. Her characters aren't incredibly realistic, but that's half the point-- just like her young adult stories, every story in this book deals with magic, wether it be supernatural or more of the everyday sort.

The sex is handled quite the same way, ultimately more sensual description than graphic-- although she really likes "pussy" to describe girls' naughty bits, and that has never been my favorite words for female anatomy. Come to think of it, there aren't any good words for it. "Pussy" seems a little sexist to me, "vagina" too clinical, and "cunt" kind of brutal. I've got enough PWP writers on this list- what words do you use? At any rate, her use of language is mostly exquisite, and so detailed that it's easy to imagine yourself behind the characters' eyes (or in their beds).

My favorite stories were "Spirit," about a girl's return from depression, and "Nymph," the sole lesbian story in the book. I think that one of the most interesting thing is that all nine stories intertwine in some way, with shared characters and places. My favorite character was Plum, a girl with a paradoxical "gift of love"- after sleeping with someone, the other person almost immediately finds their true partner, and she is left alone. Of the few nitpicks I had, "Goddess" wasn't very well done, and the loose ends are never tied up.

So there it is- my mini-review. Should you wish to pass a quiet evening alone in bed with unique characters, Nymph is pretty good.