Grove Press

This is one of the superb collections of Victorian, or Victorian-style erotic novels issued in the eighties by Grove Press, now one of the rarer ones, in fact. As with most of the others, it tells of hot-blooded goings-on within landed families that are happily replete with nubile young daughters and nieces, all of whom tend to be considered, along with his willing wife, as fair game for the primal urges of the paterfamilias. ‘Miss Martin’ differs somewhat in the presence of the eponymous lady, a governess who is mostly sapphic in her tendencies, and who plans ultimately to rule the roost. Family links develop with a nearby family, run by a widow who believes in the importance of libidinous activities amongst her young family, involving herself but aided by an enthusiastic retired Colonel. Miss Martin plays expertly across both family arenas, but is ultimately shunned. Her introduction to this story adds significant spice, making the book stand out from the others, although towards the end the plots do tend to multiply confusingly.… (mais)