Story of O by Pauline Reage Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Story of O
Book Review: A dry classic
Summary: 3 Stars
I heard a lot of hype about this book and decided to go and read it.
I was expecting something in the sense of Anne Rice with her sleeping beauty novels.
Well, this novel is much more hard core than that. Ok, it's not that I am not open minded about things like that, because I am very acceptant usually. But I thought that the whole point of sadism and masochism was not the pain, but the love. The "slaves" want to be abused by their masters so that they feel like they belong, like they are living and enjoying the moment, that they are loved because of their suffering.
But you don't really see much of that in this book. It's not really deep and it doesn't go in a lot of detail about anything, except the dry descriptions of the acts. You can't really tell what O is feeling, so a connection to the characters is basically impossible. And again, it seems like all is done for nothing, because (SPOILER! ) her "master" leaves her in the end. For him she is nothing, so he doesn't really care cause he had his fun. She, however, instead of moving to another master like she should have done if she wanted to continue the lifestyle, she asked permission to kill herself from her master. I think that is really sad and absolutley stupid.
I gave it 3 stars because of its boldness with the subject for being written in the 70's/.
Book Review: A great work of _Fiction_!
Summary: 4 Stars
The important thing to remember about "The Story of O" is that it is a work of fiction. It was written to tell a good story, nothing more. It is NOT any sort of "how to do SM" book. (For books on that subject, see the writings of Philip Miller, Dossie Easton, Jay Wiseman, John Warren, Lady Green or Joseph Bean.)As an erotic novel rich in texture and even a bit of whimsey, it's a wonderful book, even a classic. I found it to be a very moving story when I first read it many years ago and I still re-read it every few years. It still moves me. Just don't take it for more than its intended to be.
Book Review: A misunderstood masterpiece.
Summary: 4 Stars
The story of O is, in my opinion, one of the most misunderstood novels of the modern era. It exposes the reader, who may otherwise be unfamiliar, with a sub-culture that is, at first blush, quite disturbing. However, a deeper examination of the text reveals a darker side to the human spirit which is, to some extent, within us all. Although I have not had the opportunity to read this work in its native tongue (in part due to my lack of proficiency in french), I find that the translation does retain qualities which make the novel exciting, and to some, morbidly fascinating.Book Review: A must-read for anyone interested in the D/s life
Summary: 5 Stars
Story of O was given to me by my Master for me to read. After doing so, my mindset opened up much more to his. Anyone who is interested in amazing character mentalities should get this as soon as possible! :)Book Review: A new definition of love
Summary: 5 Stars
I discovered this book when I was 16 years old, that was three years ago. My mother of course, told me I wouldn't like it, but she never stopped me from reading it. Being 16, I could not truly understand the book, so I stopped reading, mid story and put it up. Two years later, after my introduction to D/s and BDSM, after my awakening and metamorphosis from a girl to a submissive, I picked up the book again. From the very first word I was captivated, I felt the love that O had for Rene, I understood the torture, the pain, all the suffering. A person who has no knowledge of BDSM or D/s cannot possibly understand this book or enjoy it for what it is. I read one review that completely dissed the book, the woman said she couldn't get past the first chapter. She said that there was no love between Rene and O. To comprehend that love, one has to have felt it before. The love between a submissive and her Master or Mistress, I think, is stronger than that of a vanilla couple. What you have to realize in reading this book is: O chose the chains, she wanted the lashings and torture. She needed to be controlled. In that submission, in giving up her every right to make Rene happy, she was set free. No one but a submissive or Dominant could truly understand that.
This book is a must have for those in the BDSM lifestyle, both old and young, experienced and new.