Exactly how steamy is this story?
R
Some of the sex described here is fairly joyless. The stories told by Tayo's drinking buddies and fellow war veterans, for example, are all about hooking up with white women. Sex in this case seems to be more about their asserting their place in white society than about hormones, libido, and all that good stuff.
Prostitution is a theme that illustrates the desperation of Native American women oppressed by racism and poverty. The stories about Tayo's mom running around with white men are depressing and anything but sexy.
But don't worry, it gets better. Uncle Josiah falls for a retired cantina dancer who can stun men into silence with her erotic flamenco. Oh, and Tayo sort of sleeps with her. Is that hot, or just weird? We'll leave it up to you to decide.
One of the things that marks Tayo's return to health and happiness is the intimate relationship he develops with Ts'eh. Their lovemaking is described in such sensual and beautiful terms that it seems almost like a mystical experience. These are some of the best passages in the novel, but we're not going to tell you where they are; you'll have to find them for yourself.