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Njyyrikki t1_j1r97ap wrote

Maybe you should try something more literal, like Harlequin books?

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Agreeable-Roof7429 OP t1_j1r9uhx wrote

I've never heard of those, but perhaps. I'm less interested in graphic descriptions of sex, more interested in the culture around sex in different time periods and what was considered "shameful"/particularly "sensual" at the time

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A-typ-self t1_j1rbu2c wrote

The book was originally published in 1928. The social mores around society, position and women sexuality were firmly in place.

Off the top of my head, I can think of a dozen ways that the MC interest alone would be "shameful." Women were not expected to enjoy, seek out or even desire sex.

She was having sex with her grounds keeper, someone that would have been viewed as lesser than her. She was his better socially. She then gave into him taking the lead, giving commands, being in control. ALL of that would have been shameful.

The simple act of having sex with a skilled lover would have been a sensual experience.

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jl9802 t1_j1rb7gh wrote

The fact that she is enjoying sex at all, especially with a man she isn't married to, is what was likely shameful.

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Agreeable-Roof7429 OP t1_j1rbvgl wrote

That potentially makes sense as well, though there are descriptions of them having sex earlier which don't necessarily seem shameful in the same way. So it seems like it could be less about the fact and more about the specific things they're engaging in in this moment

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