Pleasure: The Reclamation of my Body

by Emma-Louise Boynton

Pleasure explores the ways in which women have been systematically disconnected from their bodies throughout history and the transformative power of reclaiming that connection through pleasure. From the cultural mythology of sex as something women give and men take, to the historical demonization of female pleasure through witch trials and religious doctrine. Pleasure traces the ways in which women's bodies have been turned into religious battlegrounds. Yet, it also reveals the radical, healing power of reclaiming pleasure as an act of resistance and joy.

Drawing on personal experiences, cultural analysis and interviews with experts, Pleasure unpacks the myths we've inherited - from the virginity ideal to the male-centric view of sex - and how they affect women's lives today. By weaving historical context with contemporary stories, it offers a radical yet hopeful roadmap for women to reconnect with their bodies, rewrite their sexual stories and, ultimately, cultivate more pleasure-filled lives.

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2026

Reviews

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come As You Are has been my bible when it comes to this topic, so I’ve honestly been hesitant to pick up anything else in this space.

While I didn’t necessarily learn anything new in terms of the facts, I really loved what Emma brought to the conversation. The memoir aspect made it feel so much more intimate, and her honesty about her own experiences was incredibly brave. I appreciated that she treats pleasure not simply as a question of sex or self-help, but as something deeply connected to psychology, body autonomy, feminism and culture. Her central argument is that reclaiming pleasure isn’t necessarily about becoming better at sex, but about reconnecting with your body after years of internalising shame and external expectations.

Also highly recommend the audiobook. Emma reads it herself, and there are two exclusive interviews at the end: one with sex therapist Aleks Trkulja and one with Erika Lust. Both are well worth listening to.

Bonus points for the Emily Nagoski and Annie Ernaux mentions !! ❣️

[Eleanor Grigg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible. Highly recommend. Amazing discussion on the way society forces a disconnect between women and their bodies

[Dawn Thoma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an insightful and thought-provoking blend of memoir, cultural commentary, and self-discovery. Emma-Louise Boynton explores women's relationships with their bodies, intimacy, desire, and pleasure with honesty and vulnerability. I appreciated how personal experiences were woven together with research and expert perspectives, making the book feel both informative and relatable. While some sections felt more reflective than practical, it was an engaging and empowering read that encourages readers to rethink their relationship with pleasure, self-worth, and embodiment

[Anne-Charlotte Labonde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profundly vulnerable, Pleasure sets to explore the depth of intimacy and our relationships to sex. Emma-Louise Boynton, journalist by trade, has built her memoirs on a lot of research and the result is a beautiful book. Celebrating sisterhood, feminism and the way we ultimately need to know ourselves, Pleasure vows to help dismantle patriarchy, shame, and societal pressures. An absolute gorgeous read that will leave you with the warm feeling of being seen and heard.