50 pages • 1 hour read
John ClelandFanny Hill
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1748A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Fanny Hill: or, The Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure by John Cleland follows Fanny, a young woman who, after losing her parents, moves to London, where she is tricked into working at a brothel. She falls in love with Charles, but circumstances force her into various sexual liaisons for survival. Her life is filled with a series of relationships and encounters until she finally reunites with Charles. The novel depicts explicit sexual content and situations involving non-consensual acts.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
John Cleland's Fanny Hill is a provocative exploration of 18th-century eroticism, praised for its candid portrayal of sexual awakening and its rich, descriptive prose. However, it faces criticism for being overly explicit and sensational. Readers appreciate its historical significance but caution that it may not appeal to those sensitive to graphic content.
Who Should Read Fanny Hill?
Readers who enjoy erotic literature with historical and literary significance will appreciate Fanny Hill by John Cleland. Similar to enthusiasts of Lady Chatterley's Lover by D.H. Lawrence and Delta of Venus by Anaïs Nin, these readers savor explicit narratives framed within classic prose and social commentary.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Classic Fiction
Historical Fiction
Romance
Love / Sexuality
Emotions/Behavior: Love
Identity: Sexuality
Life/Time: Coming of Age