The Adventures of Holly White and the Incredible Sex Machine (Krissy Kneen, Text)

I have long been an admirer of the work of Brisbane writer Krissy Kneen, who I believe is one of Australia’s hidden literary gems. With each new book, I find myself hoping that readers will finally discover her quirky, sexy and incredibly beautiful writing. Her foray into literary fiction, Steeplechase, was sadly overlooked by many readers but remains a favourite of mine. Witty and seductive, sexy and funny, with just a hint of the surreal, The Adventures of Holly White and the Incredible Sex Machine is a book that I can see appealing to many readers new to her work. Holly White is young, beautiful, seductive—and abstinent! Engaged to the supposed ‘love of her life’, and with a promise ring on her finger, Holly spends most of her time hiding from her own burgeoning sexuality. But something is awakening within her, and it is not going to go away. Invited to join a book club with a difference, Holly discovers whole new ways to look at sex as she explores sex literature from the Marquis de Sade through to James Salter with her new friends. Holly White should appeal to those awoken to the possibilities of sex literature by the popularity of books such as Fifty Shades of Grey, but looking for something more sophisticated. Fans of Nicholson Baker and Angela Carter will be in heaven! A riotous romp through the imagination of one of Australia’s most accomplished sex writers.

Angie Andrewes is a bookseller and reviewer