Book Review: Madam, May I by Niobia Bryant
Madam, May I by Niobia Bryant
Published: May 28, 2019
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Genres: Fiction, Erotica
Quick Thoughts: A surprising and layered story that goes far beyond its provocative title. More than just urban fiction or erotica, Madam, May I is a gritty exploration of survival, loneliness, and what it means to choose your own path—even when the options are limited.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
READER INFORMATION:
Best for adult readers who enjoy contemporary urban fiction with complex female protagonists. Fans of Sister Souljah may enjoy this, but it also has a more emotional and psychological depth that appeals to readers who don’t usually gravitate toward the genre. Not heavy on the erotica—expect a deeper plot with only a few explicit scenes.
ABOUT THIS BOOK:
Told through a mix of present-day narrative and flashbacks, Madam, May I follows Desdemona “Desi” as she navigates a life filled with abandonment, exploitation, and eventual empowerment. Born from an affair and orphaned at a young age, Desi is taken in by her father’s wife, Zena, who makes it clear that Desi is only being cared for to secure the inheritance her husband left behind.
After running away from Zena’s emotionally cold home, Desi is groomed by a pimp named Majig. Over time, she builds her own empire as a madam, supplying high-end escorts to wealthy clients. Despite her success, Desi is deeply unfulfilled. Her loneliness, regret over her lost education, and desire for something more all come to a head when she meets Loren Palmer, a GED tutor who might be more than just an academic help.
FIRST THOUGHTS
I initially picked this up expecting something in the vein of typical urban erotica—lots of drama, some steamy scenes, and a fast-paced plot. What I got was something way more thoughtful and emotionally nuanced. Niobia Bryant gives us a protagonist who is raw, vulnerable, and painfully real.
MY BOOK REVIEW
What stood out to me most about Madam, May I is how much heart is woven into the narrative. Desi is not just a character in survival mode—she’s someone you want to root for, even as she makes difficult or questionable choices. Bryant does an excellent job of fleshing out Desi’s backstory and motivations, which makes her more than just a trope or stereotype. I felt deeply for Desi, not because she was a victim, but because she was doing her best in a world that didn’t offer her many choices.
There’s also a compelling theme of transformation—both literal and internal. Desi’s move from being a victim of circumstance to someone who’s trying to take control of her life is subtle but powerful. Her connection with Loren, the GED tutor, is gentle and hopeful, showing that even in the darkest places, there’s potential for healing and change.
The one critique I have is about the pop culture references. A few of them were perfectly placed, but then they were explained in a way that felt unnecessary—almost like the reader couldn’t be trusted to understand the reference. It slightly pulled me out of the story, but not enough to ruin my overall enjoyment.
This was my first time reading Niobia Bryant, and now I’m definitely interested in checking out more of her work. I appreciated how she wrote about sex work without sensationalizing it and how she gave Desi agency and complexity without romanticizing her trauma.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dafina Books/Kensington Books for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
