Despite the fact that the young lady on the cover is wielding what is evidently a cane, this book does not even refer obliquely to the erotic possibilities of erotic chastisement. It is therefore misleading, if only in this respect. In fact, this is a strange example of erotic literature, and its untypicality needs to be recognised by prospective readers. The criticism most often levelled at erotic literature is that of endless repetition of essentially the same acts, with only trivial changes distinguishing each instance. Perhaps the author in this case was trying to avoid this pitfall, perhaps even aiming for a work of literature in which descriptions of erotic activities are mere decoration, rather than the expected essence. If the latter, then he/she has failed; it's a humdrum plot, relying on ambiguously intimate relationships between a man and two women that aren't particularly gripping. I suspect that the aim was simply to be different, with the difference being that foreplay and anticipation seem at times to be considered more important than any form of consummation. Apart from the odd interesting `cameo-style' insert, the majority of the book is nothing short of a big tease. After half-way things do start to pick up, admittedly. But even then, the narrator shows irritation at the interruption of his enjoyment caused by an orgasm. Hardly a traditional approach. It may well prove that tantric practices can never provide erotic stimulus in written form, but if they can, this book doesn't. The book it well-written, though, and if its approach suits you, then you'll enjoy it.