“A debut novel that skilfully dissects the relationship between the body and freedom.”
Franceinfo
“Stunning and surprising, No Touching invites readers to question their own choices and prejudices.”
ActuaLitté
"Brimming with eroticism, Rouf's novel is a pitch-perfect rejection of the bland existence of educators in a broken system, and liberated her heroine to explore a more brilliant, colourful life, although not without its consequences"
Booklist
“Exhilarating and unsettling.”
Le Figaro
“Both playful and profound.”
Le Journal du Dimanche
“Rouf is good on the power dynamics of lap-dancing clubs, positing that the No Touching rule is the crux of their appeal, in that it keeps sex idealised and grants men the illusion of not cheating.”
The Big Issue
“A moving story of liberation.”
Big Issue North
“A bold and in-your-face look at sex work.”
Bookish Chat
“No Touching is a sensual, profound and, at times, philosophical read, due to the nature of the subject, but it is also uplifting and hopeful. Translated work has, yet again, taken me on a wonderful journey into the unknown.”
Swirl and Thread / also on Writing.ie
“A fabulous and provocative analysis of desire and its all-consuming power, but also of a woman finding her own sense of self amidst those stereotypical expectations that society projects on women.”
Suzie_reads_a_lot
“This is a thought-provoking short novel indeed, but one I enjoyed. It may start off with erotica and sexiness, but in reality it’s more philosophical than that and about finding a way, as Shakespeare’s Polonious said, ‘To thine own self be true,’ as Joséphine finally does.”
AnnaBookBel & Shiny New Books
“A strong, feminist novel which will force the reader to question their own preconceived ideas of women and their career choices.”
West Words Reviews
“This is a novel that gets to the heart of desire and power. It is dappled by light and shade, forcing the reader to reevaluate their expectations and stereotypes, whilst at the same time encouraging to look beyond the norm… Be prepared to be dazzled.”
BookBound