I recently read Want: Sexual Fantasies by Anonymous, a collection curated by none other than Gillian Anderson. With a concept as bold and thought-provoking as this, I was pretty excited to dive in. After all, it’s not every day you come across a book that unpacks women’s anonymous sexual fantasies in such an open way. However, while I found the book intriguing, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. In the end, I’d give it 3.5 stars. Let me tell you why.

 

Want: A Bold Idea, But Not Quite There

The very idea behind this book is brave and necessary. Women’s sexual desires are so often brushed under the rug or met with judgment, so seeing a book that brings these fantasies into the open felt empowering. We need more conversations like this because, let’s face it, women deserve to have their voices heard about every aspect of their lives—including their sexual fantasies. There’s a lot of power in acknowledging that women have rich, complex, and varied desires, just like anyone else.

However, while I loved the concept, the way the book was put together left me wanting more. One of the big issues I had was with how the fantasies were grouped into different themes. At first glance, this might seem like a good idea—it offers some structure to the book and helps readers navigate through the various fantasies. But in practice, it ended up feeling repetitive.

Want by Gillian Anderson: Repetition and Odd Categorisation

The decision to group the fantasies by shared themes really wasn’t the best choice. Some of the fantasies began to feel too similar, and reading through them started to drag. It was almost like getting stuck on a loop, with one fantasy blending into the next without much to differentiate them. After a while, I found myself thinking, "Haven’t I already read this?"

On top of that, some of the categorisations just didn’t make sense. There were fantasies that seemed like they didn’t quite fit into the box they were placed in, which left me feeling a bit confused. One minute, I’d be reading something tender and romantic, and the next, I’d be thrown into a much darker, intense fantasy that didn’t seem to belong in the same category. The overall flow of the book suffered because of this.

Want: Depth and Research

While the fantasies themselves were interesting, I found the book lacked depth. I kept waiting for more context, more insight, more exploration into why women fantasise the way they do. The fantasies were presented without much commentary, and it left me wanting a deeper understanding of what was going on beneath the surface.

This book could have been a fantastic opportunity to not only present these fantasies but to also dive into the psychology, sociology, and research behind them. Some expert commentary or a more thorough exploration of the kinks, desires, and fantasies discussed would have made the book much more engaging for me. We live in a time where discussions about sexuality and desire are evolving, and I felt like Want could’ve tapped into that a little more.

I would’ve loved to see some research or scientific insight into the themes that were brought up. It could have been so much more thought-provoking if the fantasies were accompanied by reflections on their psychological or social significance. Why do women fantasise about certain things? What do these fantasies say about power, control, and vulnerability? These are the kinds of questions I wish the book had explored in more detail.

Want by Gillian Anderson: Important, Yet Uncomfortable

As much as I believe in the importance of a book like Want, I can’t ignore the fact that some of the fantasies made me deeply uncomfortable. There were a few fantasies that involved rape, abuse, or even bestiality, and while I understand these are real fantasies that some women have, it was hard for me to read without feeling uneasy.

I don’t think these fantasies should be excluded—they’re part of the wide spectrum of human desire—but I do think the book could have handled them with a bit more care. 

We Need a Book Like Want

Despite its flaws, Want is an important book. It’s crucial for women to have spaces where they can share their fantasies without fear of judgment or shame. Too often, women’s desires are overlooked or dismissed, and a book like this helps push the conversation forward. The fact that Want exists at all is a testament to how far we’ve come in terms of opening up discussions about female sexuality, but I believe it’s just the beginning.

There’s still so much work to be done when it comes to breaking down the barriers that women face when expressing their sexuality. A book like Want is part of that journey, even if it isn’t perfect. By sharing these anonymous fantasies, the book shows that women’s desires are just as complex, varied, and legitimate as anyone else’s.

About Gillian Anderson

I can’t talk about Want without mentioning the powerhouse behind it—Gillian Anderson. You might know her best as an award-winning actress, but Anderson is so much more than that. She’s a writer, activist, and longtime supporter of women’s rights. Over the years, she’s been involved in numerous charitable organizations and social causes, advocating for everything from reproductive rights to ending violence against women.

Anderson has been a strong supporter of the Feminist Majority Foundation, and she’s actively participated in campaigns aimed at empowering women, such as the V-Day movement and initiatives to support Afghan women and girls. Her dedication to feminist causes and her work advocating for women’s rights speaks volumes, and Want feels like a natural extension of that work. It’s clear that Anderson is passionate about giving women a voice, and Want is another way for her to do just that.

In addition to her activism, Anderson is known for her role in the X-Files, but her off-screen contributions are just as impressive. She’s spoken at conferences, supported vulnerable women in London, and been a fierce advocate for reproductive rights and gender equality. Anderson’s involvement in Want adds a layer of authenticity to the book—it’s not just a collection of anonymous fantasies, it’s a statement about the importance of women’s voices in all areas of life.

Final Thoughts on Want by Gillian Anderson

At the end of the day, Want: Sexual Fantasies by Anonymous is a book that left me with mixed feelings. On one hand, it’s an essential contribution to the ongoing conversation about female sexuality. On the other hand, it didn’t quite live up to its potential. The repetitive structure, odd categorization, and lack of depth made it a frustrating read at times, but I still appreciate what the book is trying to do.

If you’re curious about the fantasies women have but are okay with some uncomfortable moments and a bit of repetition, Want is worth a read. Just don’t expect it to go as deep as you might hope. I give it 3.5 stars for its ambition and the important conversations it sparks, but I wish it had delivered a little more substance along the way.