No Touching
A tale of self-discovery and female empowerment
Ketty Rouf author Tina Kover translator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Europa Editions (UK) Ltd
Published:12th Aug '21
Should be back in stock very soon
This novel tells the story of a teacher who finds liberation in unexpected places, ultimately challenging her own self-image and societal norms.
In No Touching, Josephine is a high school teacher in a Paris suburb, leading a life filled with mundane routines and the pressures of daily existence. Her world takes a dramatic turn when she steps into a strip club on the Champs-Elysées. This unexpected venture introduces her to a hidden realm where she discovers a new code of conduct, forming deep connections with other women and embracing the thrill of being desired by men. This experience offers her an exhilarating sense of freedom and self-discovery that she never anticipated.
As Josephine navigates her dual life, she finds herself caught between the stability of her teaching career and the intoxicating allure of her nighttime escapades. The delicate balance she maintains is disrupted when an unexpected visitor arrives at the club, forcing her to confront the realities of her choices and the implications they have on her identity and relationships. This pivotal moment challenges her to reassess her life and the perception she has of herself versus how others view her.
Ketty Rouf’s No Touching is a poignant exploration of womanhood, self-image, and societal expectations. It delves into the complexities of female relationships and the struggle for autonomy in a world that often imposes restrictive norms. Rouf’s debut novel, which won the prestigious Prix du Premier Roman 2020, invites readers to reflect on the themes of liberation and the multifaceted nature of personal identity.
“A debut novel that skilfully dissects the relationship between the body and freedom.” * Franceinfo *
“Stunning and surprising, No Touching invites readers to question their own choices and prejudices.” * ActuaLitté *
"Brimming with eroticism, Rouf's novel is a pitch-perfect rejection of the bland existence of educators in a broken system, and liberated her heroine to explore a more brilliant, colourful life, although not without its consequences" * Booklist *
“Exhilarating and unsettling.” * Le Figaro *
“Both playful and profound.” * Le Journal du Dimanche *
“Rouf is good on the power dynamics of lap-dancing clubs, positing that the No Touching rule is the crux of their appeal, in that it keeps sex idealised and grants men the illusion of not cheating.” * The Big Issue *
“A moving story of liberation.” * Big Issue North *
“A bold and in-your-face look at sex work.” * Bookish Chat *
“No Touching is a sensual, profound and, at times, philosophical read, due to the nature of the subject, but it is also uplifting and hopeful. Translated work has, yet again, taken me on a wonderful journey into the unknown.” * Swirl and Thread / also on Writing.ie *
“A fabulous and provocative analysis of desire and its all-consuming power, but also of a woman finding her own sense of self amidst those stereotypical expectations that society projects on women.” * Suzie_reads_a_lot *
“This is a thought-provoking short novel indeed, but one I enjoyed. It may start off with erotica and sexiness, but in reality it’s more philosophical than that and about finding a way, as Shakespeare’s Polonious said, ‘To thine own self be true,’ as Joséphine finally does.” * AnnaBookBel & Shiny New Books *
“A strong, feminist novel which will force the reader to question their own preconceived ideas of women and their career choices.” * West Words Reviews *
“This is a novel that gets to the heart of desire and power. It is dappled by light and shade, forcing the reader to reevaluate their expectations and stereotypes, whilst at the same time encouraging to look beyond the norm… Be prepared to be dazzled.” * BookBound *
ISBN: 9781787703162
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
172 pages