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Lust: Pleasure, Performance, Power
Not yet published
Expected 13 Oct 26Win a free print copy of this book!
16 days and 02:49:24
50 copies available
U.S. only
A bold look at the unexpected ways porn shapes our lives, with a feminist defense, drawn from Erika Lust’s decades in adult filmmaking, that argues for a more ethical porn that can transform sexual politics
For more than two decades, Erika Lust has been pushing back against shame and stereotypes, building a new kind of adult cinema—one that is feminist, ethical, and deeply human. In Porn, Pleasure, Power, she tells the story of how a shy “good girl” from Sweden came to create one of the most talked-about studios in the world. She takes us behind the scenes of her films, where every detail the casting, the consent talks, the way a set can feel safe, playful, and alive. We meet performers who are treated as collaborators, not objects, and glimpse the passion and chaos of making art about sex.
Lust makes the provocative argument that porn is not the root of society’s problems but a mirror of them. Instead of scapegoating it and missing the chance to address those problems, Erika offers pragmatic solutions for how we can develop and improve the industry. She rejects censorship and moral-panic legislation, which history shows only makes things worse, and instead points to the power of telling more complex, nuanced stories of sex and gender. While sharing openly about her experience as a director, Erika argues that pleasure is not shameful or frivolous but a basic right, and that questions of sexuality and representation are inseparable from our broader culture and politics.
Raw, passionate, and inspiring, Lust is a manifesto for anyone who has ever felt ashamed of desire, as well as a reminder that telling the truth about sex can change the world.
For more than two decades, Erika Lust has been pushing back against shame and stereotypes, building a new kind of adult cinema—one that is feminist, ethical, and deeply human. In Porn, Pleasure, Power, she tells the story of how a shy “good girl” from Sweden came to create one of the most talked-about studios in the world. She takes us behind the scenes of her films, where every detail the casting, the consent talks, the way a set can feel safe, playful, and alive. We meet performers who are treated as collaborators, not objects, and glimpse the passion and chaos of making art about sex.
Lust makes the provocative argument that porn is not the root of society’s problems but a mirror of them. Instead of scapegoating it and missing the chance to address those problems, Erika offers pragmatic solutions for how we can develop and improve the industry. She rejects censorship and moral-panic legislation, which history shows only makes things worse, and instead points to the power of telling more complex, nuanced stories of sex and gender. While sharing openly about her experience as a director, Erika argues that pleasure is not shameful or frivolous but a basic right, and that questions of sexuality and representation are inseparable from our broader culture and politics.
Raw, passionate, and inspiring, Lust is a manifesto for anyone who has ever felt ashamed of desire, as well as a reminder that telling the truth about sex can change the world.
256 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 13, 2026
About the author
Erika Lust
20 books82 followersErika Lust is a Swedish filmmaker, writer, and producer known for creating erotic cinema that centers storytelling, female desire, and inclusive representation. She is the founder of ERIKALUST, the premium streaming platform and production studio behind award-winning adult cinema, and the creator of XConfessions, the acclaimed series based on real-life fantasies submitted by audiences. Since the release of her debut short film The Good Girl in 2004, her work has gained international recognition and has been screened at film festivals worldwide. In addition to filmmaking, she is the author of several books on sexuality and co-founder of The Porn Conversation, a platform dedicated to sex education and porn literacy. In 2019, she was named one of the BBC’s 100 Women, a list that recognizes influential women worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free digital review copy. All opinions are my own.
An interesting and informative read. While the book is presented as nonfiction, much of it reads like a memoir, with the author drawing heavily from her personal experiences, relationships and professional evolution over the past two decades.
What resonated with me most was Lust's argument that women should feel empowered to express their desires without shame. Throughout the book, she challenges the cultural expectations that often encourage women to be passive, silent or apologetic about their sexuality. Whether readers agree with all of her conclusions or not, she makes a compelling case that desire is a normal part of being human and that women should not be judged differently than men for expressing it.
I also appreciated her willingness to discuss subjects that are often treated as taboo. Because conversations about sex and pornography can make people uncomfortable, it is rare to encounter such an open examination of sexuality, consent, representation and the ways media shapes our understanding of intimacy and desire.
Because of the subject matter, this may not be a book for everyone. However, I found it engaging, accessible and thought-provoking. More than a discussion of pornography, it is a reflection on personal freedom, cultural attitudes toward sex, and one woman's determination to challenge conventions within an industry that is often misunderstood.
I came away with a better understanding of both the author and the broader conversations surrounding sex, media and power. Even when I didn't fully agree with every argument, I appreciated the opportunity to consider perspectives that are rarely discussed so openly.
An interesting and informative read. While the book is presented as nonfiction, much of it reads like a memoir, with the author drawing heavily from her personal experiences, relationships and professional evolution over the past two decades.
What resonated with me most was Lust's argument that women should feel empowered to express their desires without shame. Throughout the book, she challenges the cultural expectations that often encourage women to be passive, silent or apologetic about their sexuality. Whether readers agree with all of her conclusions or not, she makes a compelling case that desire is a normal part of being human and that women should not be judged differently than men for expressing it.
I also appreciated her willingness to discuss subjects that are often treated as taboo. Because conversations about sex and pornography can make people uncomfortable, it is rare to encounter such an open examination of sexuality, consent, representation and the ways media shapes our understanding of intimacy and desire.
Because of the subject matter, this may not be a book for everyone. However, I found it engaging, accessible and thought-provoking. More than a discussion of pornography, it is a reflection on personal freedom, cultural attitudes toward sex, and one woman's determination to challenge conventions within an industry that is often misunderstood.
I came away with a better understanding of both the author and the broader conversations surrounding sex, media and power. Even when I didn't fully agree with every argument, I appreciated the opportunity to consider perspectives that are rarely discussed so openly.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
While it read more like a memoir, this study on the porn industry was deeply insightful and I believe will act as another opportunity to open up the conversation about sex work for women and queer people. Lust invites you to consider the circumstances that have influenced the world we currently live in, and draws attention to the demands of a quietly controlling industry. She asks you to question not only the common imagery and subjects in pornography, but the implications that manifest as misogyny and hatred in the outside world. It seems as though she intends to leave an overall sentiment of hope and empowerment while encouraging the involvement and advocacy of women in the production of pornography for the sake of improvement.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Lust: Pleasure, Performance, and Power by Erika Lust offers a thoughtful and provocative exploration of sexuality, intimacy, and the influence of media on our understanding of desire. Rather than focusing solely on entertainment, the book encourages readers to think critically about consent, communication, gender dynamics, and the role of ethical representation in sexual expression. I appreciated the way the author challenges conventional assumptions while inviting open and respectful conversations about pleasure and relationships. Whether or not readers agree with every perspective presented, the book provides an engaging discussion that encourages reflection on sexuality, power, and personal values.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There were parts and ideas in here that I really liked such as how porn can be feminist and how people use it to explore their sexuality in a safe manner. How free sites have impacted the industry as a whole and how consent needs to be the focal point.
What this book could really use is further editing. The hopping from telling a story to making a point on societal expectations then jumping to personal anecdotes was a bit too jarring for me.
Sadly I DNFd at 50% but I thank NetGalley for the ARC, these thoughts and words are completely my own.
What this book could really use is further editing. The hopping from telling a story to making a point on societal expectations then jumping to personal anecdotes was a bit too jarring for me.
Sadly I DNFd at 50% but I thank NetGalley for the ARC, these thoughts and words are completely my own.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews