Angelica's Grotto

This novel follows Harold Klein, a 72-year-old art historian, as he navigates desire and aging through the lens of a provocative website called Angelica's Grotto.

In Angelica's Grotto, we follow the intriguing journey of Harold Klein, a seventy-two-year-old art historian. Despite his frail physical state, Harold's mind is alive with thoughts of desire and fantasy. Known to his doctors as 'he who declines to hop the twig', he finds himself exploring a pornographic website that becomes a surprising escape from his mundane reality. The website, Angelica's Grotto, serves as a catalyst for Harold's introspection and unfiltered thoughts, as he grapples with the loss of his 'inner voice'—that internal censor that typically keeps our more outrageous thoughts at bay.

Harold's exploration leads him to a therapist, where he confronts his newfound lack of mental privacy. This journey is not just a physical one through the digital world of eroticism, but also a metaphorical passage through the complexities of aging, desire, and artistic expression. He engages in one-on-one conversations with Melissa, the mastermind behind the Grotto, who challenges him to embrace his desires, leading to both humorous and poignant moments.

As Harold navigates the vibrant London art scene, he also encounters Melissa and her charismatic colleague, Leslie. Their presence in his life adds layers of excitement and vulnerability, prompting Harold to keep his angina medication nearby. Angelica's Grotto is a witty and insightful exploration of sexuality, art, and the human condition, blending humor with a deep examination of life's pleasures and pains.