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candyflavordlies 's review for:
Story of O
by Pauline Réage
As many people have already mentioned, there is a serious question of *informed* consent throughout the entire story. There are a lot of things mentioned that might squick you out of if you've never had sex (or watched TV, or turned on a radio, you get my point), but most topics covered are generally in the mainstream these days. With that said, even I felt a little nauseaous, especially when introduced to the the plot line with Natalie and Jacqueline. Both situations are uncomfortable, morally offensive (IMHO) and to boot, I couldn't find a likable character in the entire story.
What really stands out above it all is is the fact that you know nothing about O as a person. BDSM is a very complex situation for the master and the sub - as such there are lines thrown in that hint at a deeper meaning to all of this. Instead of exploring it, however, the author writes in a quick one or two lines about how O feels different (but never clearly explains the process, the epiphany that leads her there), but it doesn't detract from the not okay things going on. Even up until the end, I kept wondering if she would realize what was happening to her. The things that she submits to are insane, not because of the extreme nature, but because all someone has to say is 'i love you' and she will agree to *anything*, even being mutilated and turning over innocent women to the same fate she met, with or without their consent.
Overall, this book wasn't what I was expecting and I can't classify it as erotic literature. Extreme, yes. Erotic and/or a true representation of the BDSM community? Not at all.
What really stands out above it all is is the fact that you know nothing about O as a person. BDSM is a very complex situation for the master and the sub - as such there are lines thrown in that hint at a deeper meaning to all of this. Instead of exploring it, however, the author writes in a quick one or two lines about how O feels different (but never clearly explains the process, the epiphany that leads her there), but it doesn't detract from the not okay things going on. Even up until the end, I kept wondering if she would realize what was happening to her. The things that she submits to are insane, not because of the extreme nature, but because all someone has to say is 'i love you' and she will agree to *anything*, even being mutilated and turning over innocent women to the same fate she met, with or without their consent.
Overall, this book wasn't what I was expecting and I can't classify it as erotic literature. Extreme, yes. Erotic and/or a true representation of the BDSM community? Not at all.