Lust Or No Harm Done

Lust Or No Harm Done by Geoff Ryman, published by Flamingo in 2002, is a 400-page exploration of desire and self-discovery. The narrative follows David, a young scientist whose research into the brain’s learning processes takes an unexpected turn when he becomes the subject of a peculiar experiment. After an encounter with Tony, a fitness instructor he has long admired, David’s fantasies manifest in reality, leading to a series of surreal and provocative experiences that challenge his understanding of obsession and morality.

Readers will find a blend of fiction and psychological exploration as David navigates his newfound ability to conjure figures from his imagination, including historical and fictional icons. The story delves into themes of erotica and LGBTQ+ identity, as David grapples with the implications of his desires and the consequences of losing scientific objectivity. This edition invites readers to reflect on the complexities of lust and the nature of self, all while engaging with a narrative that intertwines personal and fantastical elements.