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I have noticed Corgi, the publisher, is now pitching this book under the copy of "Before 'Fifty Shades of Grey', there was Story of O... " and change the jacket to something similar to that of "Grey". I know, but comparing this book to that, just because both involves S&M sex, is like comparing Harry Potter to Macbeth because both features witches. Admittedly that is too kind to "O" (but not too harsh to "Grey") One is a serious piece of literature in which the author poses serious and disturbing questions about female sexuality. The other is a "chic lit" under the guise of racy lingerie, ultimately little different from Mills and Boon. The heroine speaks like a privately educated young British woman you see everyday. A man and woman meet and fornicate. That is all "Grey"has got to say. In there, man and woman are equal human species with different genitals. In "O" men and women are treated as different species mentally and physically, and one is superior. There lies this extraordinary world. Let me expand why "O" is a serious piece of work. Long before the author came out, reading public had ruled out any possibility that author was a man masquerading as "Pauline". The author's obsession with living space: pieces of furniture (shape and size of a hassock etc), colours, fabric (sensation of leather seat to naked skin etc) meant that this extraordinary nightmarish realm was only created by a woman. Even though most of us don't understand what do the sentences such as "terror" had strange "sweetness" and the more O was enslaved, the more she felt she was "ennobled" really mean, they show a glimpse of female psychology we didn't know it exist. For modern readers, there may be too much musings going on and the heroine is too sedate and passive for their liking (unlike the "modern" "Grey" heroine). It is a fantasy, but it is a female fantasy where the heroine finds inexplicable joy in complete submission to her lover, and it is an accomplished form of art. "Grey" is a titillation and nothing more. If you liked "50 Shades", don't come in here. This is strictly for adults.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Ive only begun reasing this book as it was recommended by a good friend. It's so hard to put down. Some of the sentence structure can be difficult to understand but it doesn't stop you wanting to continue. It's a sexy read but not Porn. I'd recommend this to anyone wanting an escape from reality for a while.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
In terms of product condition, it was used (as described) but in good condition and the pages were like new. The actual book is very good, I think women would find it relatable but also very fristrating as the character is so completely dominated. Men would probably benefit from reading it as they could understand how it 'feels to be a woman' but not in a cliche or annoyingly chick flick way. All in all I definitely recommend it :)
Very niche subject matter written in a strange, pseudo Victorian style which does not enhance the reading experience. Book is obviously famous or infamous and is purported to be written by a woman but, to me, it is a totally male orientated fantasy of domination and sadomasochism and, for me, not at all erotic and, at sixty pages in, I doubt very much if I will finish it.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
A well written book about relationships. I thought it would be smutty but it is very well written.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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