Some readers of Paradise may have difficulties with the theme of adultery and especially with the frankness of the erotic descriptions of Simon's sexual relations with Dore, Veronica, and Anne. Even though explicit sexual language occupies a very small fraction of the novel, its presence may raise questions about censorship. On the other hand, the erotic content of the novel is not there for its own sake.

Barthelme is an acute observer of contemporary life and clearly sees a preoccupation with sexuality as a crucial characteristic of modern existence. Nor is Simon's realization of his adulterous male fantasies offered as any solution to the problems of life's aimlessness and dissatisfactions. His affair with the three young women quite clearly does not become the paradise he expects. It ends up being one more failed attempt at earning a lasting satisfaction with life.

The behavior of Barthelme's characters...