reviews: books: lofting by alma marceau

There is a world of difference between an inexperienced woman and one who is unawakened to her own sensuality. I can idintify with this latter well; my own awakening has been evolving over the past two years, opening new worlds of texture and sensation I never knew existed.

Lofting by Alma Marceau centers on Claire, a woman who is also unawakened. She meets a man online, André, who engages her with his ripe wit and humour, and electrifies her with a promise of sensuality unlike anything she's known before. They become virtual lovers, frolicking online and by phone as André helps Claire to explore her own responses.

In time, Claire meets a man in "real" life, Nick. He shares many of André's more endearing and stimulating qualities, and quickly the two become involved.

Thus, Claire finds herself in the midst of an engaging and unique threesome. Her online lover, André, and her "in the flesh" lover, Nick, are with her on the journey as she travels further than she ever has before. Her sexual adventures are as deep as they are broad. And through her exploration she learns about herself, her wants and needs for the future.

Lofting is easily one of the most engaging and addictive works of erotica I've ever read. I devoured it in a single sitting; no small feat given the scarcity of my free time of late.

One of its most unique qualities among its peers is the intelligence with which it's written. This is no mindless sex feast. It's thinking person's erotica. The banter and dialogue are top-notch; of a level many of us (myself included) would love to be able to achieve with a lover. The internal dialogue and processes Claire goes through are believable and identifiable. But the scenes in which Claire explores her sexuality is where this book really shines. They serve not as gratuitous jerk-off material but as wonderful interludes; each and every one serves to forward our understanding of the characters, their sexuality, and their journey.

Lofting was the Erotica Reader's Association Book of the Month for February, and deservedly so. If there is any justice, you'll be hearing more about this book as time goes on. If you like erotica and intelligent writing to boot, you'll like this book.

2001.03.10 08:17 AM
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