Dorothea

by Patrick Henden

Out of the fine literary tradition of Laura and Beatrice comes this timeless erotic reverie of a Victorian gentleman. Fresh from the strict but loving care of her headmistress at boarding school, Dorothea returns home to find an impassioned lover eager to school her further in the delights of the flesh.

Genres: Erotica

240 pages, Paperback

First published October 28, 1990

Reviews

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember reading other Patrick Henden books some years ago and recall liking them more than Dorothea. At least one of the other books was also written in first person narrative, although by the young girl in a relationship, not the older man. The story of Sir Humphrey and his obsession with Dorothea might superficially be similar to Humbert Humbert and Lolita, but the Nabokov novel is much better. The Dorothea book suffers by comparison.

Throughout Dorothea, the narrator has various philosophical asides. In the novels by Marquis de Sade, he has multiple asides, particularly about the concept of good versus evil. However, the asides in the novels by de Sade are superior to those in Dorothea.

All in all, reading Dorothea was an okay experience. I enjoyed reading about the activities between Humphrey and the two girls, Dorothea and Phillipa, who are sisters. In the last six chapters, other familial relationships are revealed and other family members are introduced. Those last chapters were an improvement on the earlier part of the book.

I anticipate a much better experience when I re-read other Patrick Henden books next year. After reading, I will rate and review them in the Goodreads forum.

[DW · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my top five favorite books ever. And my number one favorite erotica novel. I've read it twice and really wish there were a follow-up sequel. This book easily could have had another two chapters in it, things/events the author tempted us with or alluded to but did not return to or expound upon. This book and four other non-erotic books are on their own separate shelf in my home.

I found this book in a book catalog, and I selected it, fortuitously, without any intention of it being a salacious or exquisite read. It's description was far from exciting or uber-interesting. But it was all of that and more. I guess I lucked out :)

This story takes place during the Victorian Era. I don't want to say much more what the story is about because I don't want to ruin how great I feel the story to be in my head.