I really enjoyed this!

Though, I think ‘curious history’ is a bit of a misnomer. What this book was really about is summed up in these last lines:

“We must talk about consent, pleasure, masturbation, pornography, love, relationships and our own bodies. Because the only way we will dispel shame is to drag sex out in the open and have a good long look at it. History has shown us how damaging shaming sexual practices, in all their myriad forms, can be. Let’s learn the lesson.”

For the most part, this was a rebellious and well-researched challenge to our culturally inherited (and kinda nuts) preconceived notions on sex and sexuality. 

The only reason it’s a four, and not a five star, is that there were a few chapters more in line with the title and vibe of it cover (ie more of a humourous tidbit-y history), which I liked less.

But most of the chapters were excellent and the book was at its best when it dealt with topics that taboo and misogyny have made difficult to research: the clitoris, female orgasm, virginity, periods, pubic hair, impotence, prostitution, and masterbation. 

I definitely recommend the audiobook. Hearing the author’s voice helped convey the tone: irreverent, sarcastic, and subversive.