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A review by hypothermya
Venus in Furs by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, Matthew Kaiser
5.0
I adored this book.
I initially was worried that it would be too simplistic in its approach to sexuality, kink, and dominance & submissiveness in sexuality (much as early science fiction books are sometimes are the epitomies of genre cliches regarding time travel, this book could easily have fallen into a genre cliche of the female with the whip). And from what I had first encountered, I had plenty of reason to be expecting this.
For one, it is no secret that this book contains such an extreme depiction of submissiveness and pain as a romantic outlet that it actually inspired the creation of the word "masochist", taken from the author's name, Sacher-Masoch. Then, the initial scenes were very polarized -- containing an all or nothing view of dominance, sexual martyrdom, and pain. The book continues to depict a character named Severin and his idealization of sexual martyrdom -- narrated to a friend to illustrate why one should always rule women rather than be ruled by them.
But after this polar start, the Sacher-Masoch quickly enters a very captivating depiction of early love and of the formation of a very, very involved romance. From here, the story continues with an addictive narrative and plot.
And the ending, which I won't spoil, left me feeling very fulfilled -- complex and well-earned by a writer who was willing to really flesh out his characters. I'm incredibly glad that I tracked this book down and read it.
I initially was worried that it would be too simplistic in its approach to sexuality, kink, and dominance & submissiveness in sexuality (much as early science fiction books are sometimes are the epitomies of genre cliches regarding time travel, this book could easily have fallen into a genre cliche of the female with the whip). And from what I had first encountered, I had plenty of reason to be expecting this.
For one, it is no secret that this book contains such an extreme depiction of submissiveness and pain as a romantic outlet that it actually inspired the creation of the word "masochist", taken from the author's name, Sacher-Masoch. Then, the initial scenes were very polarized -- containing an all or nothing view of dominance, sexual martyrdom, and pain. The book continues to depict a character named Severin and his idealization of sexual martyrdom -- narrated to a friend to illustrate why one should always rule women rather than be ruled by them.
But after this polar start, the Sacher-Masoch quickly enters a very captivating depiction of early love and of the formation of a very, very involved romance. From here, the story continues with an addictive narrative and plot.
And the ending, which I won't spoil, left me feeling very fulfilled -- complex and well-earned by a writer who was willing to really flesh out his characters. I'm incredibly glad that I tracked this book down and read it.