What are the best risque novels?

John Cleland's 'Fanny Hill' is an old but well - known risque novel. It was first published in the 18th century and details the sexual adventures of the titular character, Fanny Hill. It was highly controversial at the time of its publication for its sexual content.

The allure of risque historical novels lies in their ability to show the rawness of human nature in a different era. For example, they might expose the sexual mores and taboos that were present in the past, which is both fascinating and eye - opening.

One characteristic is the exploration of forbidden love. Since they are historical, they often deal with social norms of the past that made certain relationships taboo, like a relationship between different social classes or races. For example, in many novels set in the colonial era, a romance between a colonizer and a native might be both romantic and risque.

Classic risque novels are important because they often break taboos. For example, 'Lady Chatterley's Lover' challenged the sexual mores of its time. They also offer a more realistic view of human nature. People have sexual desires, and these novels show that side which was often suppressed in more 'polite' literature.

One notable feature is their exploration of social taboos. These novels often delved into topics that were considered improper in mainstream society at that time, like unorthodox relationships. They also had a certain style of writing that was more daring compared to other literary works. For example, they might use more vivid language to describe emotions and situations that were on the edge of propriety.

The 'Decameron' by Giovanni Boccaccio can also be considered in this category. Set during the Black Death in Italy, it contains many stories that are risque in nature. These stories were told by a group of young people sheltering from the plague, and they cover a wide range of themes including love, lust, and human nature within a historical context.

One classic is 'Lady Chatterley's Lover' by D. H. Lawrence. It was considered risque at the time of its release due to its exploration of sexual relationships and the class differences in those relationships. Another is 'Fanny Hill' which is known for its rather bold descriptions of sexual experiences in the 18th - century context.

Common themes include the contrast between the holiness of Christmas and the sinful or risque behavior. It's like the juxtaposition of the pure image of Christmas with the not - so - pure actions of the characters. Another theme is the discovery of self - identity through risque experiences during Christmas. For instance, a character might realize what they really want in life, whether it's a relationship or a different lifestyle, after going through some risque situations during the holiday. Also, there can be the theme of the power of Christmas to transform even the most scandalous situations into something positive.

The term 'risque' implies something a bit daring or on the edge. A pepper grinder's 'risque back story' might involve it being part of a collection that was initially controversial. For example, it could have been designed during a time when modern and unconventional kitchen items were not widely accepted, and it faced some resistance from traditionalists in the culinary world.

'Wuthering Heights' can be considered in a way. It's a historical novel with a passionate and somewhat risque love story between Heathcliff and Catherine. Their intense and often tempestuous relationship is set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors in the 19th century.