Forever Amber
Kathleen Winsor
About this book
Set in 17th-century England during the tumultuous years of the English Civil War and the Restoration, "Forever Amber" follows the life of a beautiful and ambitious young woman named Amber St. Clare. The novel explores themes of love, desire, and the pursuit of personal freedom against a backdrop of political intrigue and societal upheaval. Amber navigates a world filled with passion and betrayal, seeking to rise above her humble beginnings while grappling with the consequences of her choices. Through her journey, the story delves into the complexities of human relationships and the struggle for identity in a changing society.
Why it was banned
In 1945, "Forever Amber" was banned in Australia at the border by the Australian Government due to its sexual content, which was deemed obscene and described as a "sex obsession." Similarly, New Zealand customs banned the novel under the Indecent Publications Act for its sexual content. Both bans reflect the societal attitudes of the time towards explicit depictions of sexuality in literature.
Censorship history
"Forever Amber" was banned in Australia in 1945 by the Australian Government at the customs level due to its sexual content, which was deemed obscene and labeled as "sex obsession." Similarly, in New Zealand, the book was banned under the Indecent Publications Act for its frank portrayal of sexual relationships, also at the customs level. Both bans reflect the societal attitudes of the time towards explicit sexual content in literature, leading to significant restrictions on the book's availability in these countries.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 1945lifted | SexualObscenity | ||
| Banned in 1945 for "sex obsession"; the novel's frank treatment of its protagonist's sexual relationships was deemed obscene. | ||||
| New Zealand | —lifted | SexualObscenity | ||
| Banned by New Zealand customs under the Indecent Publications Act for sexual content. | ||||