A review by bookish_5280
Les Liaisons dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos

challenging reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I read this book in French, a language which I'm not fluent in. I think this partly played into the reading experience, which I thought was unpleasant. But while I did not enjoy all the time that I spent reading it, I did enjoy reflecting on it and discussing it afterwards. I think it's important in multiple different ways. In a historical sense, it was a brazen book to write, and it played a critical role in the French Revolution, serving as a biting critique of the bourgeoisie and providing an incredibly progressive perspective on the rights and education of women.  I also loved the style (after I got past not being able to understand parts of it :)), and the irony and sarcasm that Laclos used were really enjoyable. He was a genius in the sense that he was able to use the epistolary format to create a world in which the reader always has the upper hand, while also being able to show the world the hypocrisy and cruelty of the culture of "libertinage". I still can't decide what rating to give to this book, just because I was so miserable while reading it, but I do have to admit that it was a fascinating story to discuss and learn about. Maybe I should just reread it in English :). 
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