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  • Published: 26 August 2021
  • ISBN: 9781473588035
  • Imprint: Vintage Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 368

Rough

How violence has found its way into the bedroom and what we can do about it




How violence has found its way into the bedroom and what we can do about it

'2021's most important book about sex.'
Stylist

'You need to read this.'
Mashable


A bad sexual experience.

A grey area.

Not rape but...

A violation - these are the terms we use to describe the experiences we don't have words for. The way we talk about topics such as sex, consent, assault aren't fit for purpose.


Rough is a revolutionary non-fiction work exploring the narratives of sexual violence that we don't talk about. Through powerful testimony from 50 women and non-binary people, this book shines a light on the sexual violence that takes place in our bedrooms and beyond, sometimes at the hands of people we know, trust, or even love. Rough investigates violations such as 'stealthing,' non-consensual choking, and non-consensual rough sex acts that our culture is only starting to recognise as sexual violence.

The book explores the ways in which systems of oppression manifest in our sexual culture - from racist microaggressions, to fatphobic acts of aggression, and ableist dehumanising behaviour. An intersectional, sex-positive, kink-positive work, the book also examines how white supremacy, transphobia, biphobia, homophobia, and misogyny are driving forces behind sexual violence.

Rough is an urgent, timely call for change to the systems that oppress us all. It's time for a societal shift. As individuals with agency within our sexual culture we have the power to remodel our behaviour and this book shows us how.


Praise for Rough

'An incredible investigation into a frighteningly common part of our sexual experience; determined to give ownership back to those who have had their agency stolen from them.'
Dr Fern Riddell

'Unflinching. Important, thought-provoking read.'
Nataliya Deleva

'Rough speaks to how many women often feel after sexual encounters - violated but unsure of exactly why, and whether our feelings are valid. This book is excellent and demonstrates just how valid those feelings are.'
Adele Walton, founder of Humanitarian Hotgirl

  • Published: 26 August 2021
  • ISBN: 9781473588035
  • Imprint: Vintage Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 368

Praise for Rough

An unflinching examination of the damaging sexual narratives often hidden or less talked about, Rough looks at the way culture and gender perceptions influence our behaviour in bed. Thompson's writing is burning and unapologetic, and contracts with sharpness and verve. An important, thought-provoking read which renders systems and personal attitudes, and starts a helpful dialogue (in a hope to) to kindle positive change.

Nataliya Deleva, author of 'Arrival'

Rough speaks to how many women often feel after sexual encounters - violated but unsure of exactly why, and whether our feelings are valid. This book is excellent and demonstrates just how valid those feelings are.

Adele Walton, founder of Humanitarian Hotgirl

An incredible investigation into a frighteningly common part of our sexual experience; determined to give ownership back to those who have had their agency stolen from them.

Dr Fern Riddell

You need to read this.

Mashable

2021's most important book about sex.

Stylist

Rough is one of the most comprehensive and interesting books I've ever read. I recommend it to all my friends and patients as essential reading in the world of psychosexual therapy. I cannot say enough good things about it. You won't put it down.

Gigi Engle, author of 'All The F*ing Mistakes'

This is indispensable reading for anyone who wants both breadth and detail in how sexual consent is expressed, understood and all too often violated. Rough is inclusive and sympathetic writing that, importantly, remains sex positive and optimistic for a future with more knowledge and more power. It's consent writing that would make anyone want to change the world from one of the UK's leading voices on the issue.

Sophia Smith Galer, author of 'Losing It'