Story of O by Pauline Reage Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Story of O
Book Review: A story of a woman's self-discovery and self-actualization
Summary: 5 Stars
Besides being an amazingly well-written story from a literary perspective, the storyline is timeless.
If you don't find yourself identifying with either O or Rene by the second chapter, this is probably not a book that you will appreciate. Contrary to other reviewers, I don't feel The Story of O is a good BDSM primer. You will either see yourself in this novel or you will not.
Book Review: A strange book that must say something about the reader
Summary: 3 Stars
The book begins with the climactic scene, the complete submission of O to her lover and his sadistic friends. No explanation of her decision (assuming it was a concious desicion) is forthcoming. The rest of the book meanders through O's life as a submissive with little to enlighten the reader about her. The fact that this novel still sells so well and is praised by so many says something about the readers, but I'm not sure exactly what. I believe I can speak for most of the men, who likely had the same reaction I did - where do I sign up for Rene's club and short of that, where can I find someone like O for myself. The reaction of the women (assuming some of the buyers and reviewers are women) I understand not at all. If any of you would care to write and explain it to me, please do.Book Review: A true classic.
Summary: 3 Stars
The Story of O is a guidline for all dicipline minded erotica. However, I felt the moments of passion could hve included a more involved description of O's own feelings. I know it's supposed to be a classic but I felt too much time was spent describing the actions and not enough on the emotions.Book Review: A unique experience, though not a particularly positive one
Summary: 3 Stars
This is the only piece of the erotica genre I've ever read. I had heard of the book and the controversy that surrounded it upon its release many years ago in France and the subsequent debate about the book in the following decades; however, only recently did I read something about the book, its story line and the anonymity of the author that struck my curiosity enough to cause me to pick up a copy and read it.
Of course the story is about sexual domination, submissiveness and slavery and those who elect to participate in such a lifestyle. Honestly, I found the story line to get a bit tired after a bit. It didn't stir my senses too much as I read about the sexuality of the relationships between the characters. However, what I did find of interest, and the only reason I elected to rate three stars rather than two, was the author's development of the protagonist 'O' and the psychology involved with her transformation from her man's lover to a domination/submissive lifestyle out of an apparent unwavering love for her man. She (Reage) gave insight into the mind of the woman who is being developed into this relationship of sexual slavery, willing to endure nearly any 'punishment' out of love and loyalty.
All in all, I don't feel that I've gained much in life by reading this book, other than some insight into the mindset of people who elect to live the master/slave relationship. Then again, I don't know that I've really lost anything by the experience either. Anyone who decides to read it should keep an open mind, regardless of their own personal moral position on the type of relationships displayed in the book, and realize the story is not about a sexual style but about relationships between people, about what is requested from one woman in love and her willingness to display total - very total - commitment.
Book Review: AN AROUSING IMPACT EVEN IN THESE DAYS.
Summary: 1 Stars
I HAD ALWAYS WANTED, THROUGH THE MANY YEARS SINCE IT WAS PUBLISHED, TO READ THIS BOOK. I HAD ALMOST FORGPOTTEN IT WHEN I GOT IT FROM AMAZON. THE IMPACT WAS TREMENDOUS. ITS DESCRIPTIONS, THE INSIGHT ON THIS SUBMISSIVE AND YET STRONG WILLED YOUNG WOMAN IS EXTRAORDINARY. IT TAKES, PERHAPS, A WOMAN, TO UNDERSTAND THE MOST INNER SEXUAL DESIRES AD CRAVINGS OF OTHER WOMEN. I FELT , THROUGH ITS PAGES, INTIMATELY CONNECTED WITH "O", AT TIMES SAD FOR HER, AT TIMES, COMPLETELY INMERSED IN HER TORTURES, HER WISHES, HER WANTOMNESS. ENJOYED IT A LOT AND WISH IT WOULD HAVE CONTINUED AT ROISSY.