No one ever said it was obscene by a 21st century standard. Obscenity laws when Lawrence was writing were much, much different. The fact the he would write about two women who were that open about their own sexuality was, in and of itself, obscene. It is a beautiful book if you give it a chance. But if you are looking for more sex try Lady Chatterly’s Lover.

To place the book in better context I suggest a quick read (or even a skim) through the introduction? Penguin Classics typically have rather exhaustive ones that give you a better idea of what to expect if the date of original publication isn’t enough.