Welcome to Litsy!

Final #roll100 read from the May list. I feel like this would have been really shocking when it first came out but there‘s so much erotica around these days I didn‘t really think it was anything special. Onto the next one!

I reckon it would be an interesting read for people with a specific interest in BDSM psychology, and/or the history of erotic texts… but as a spicy read, or as an instructional text, Story Of O falls short in many respects. It‘s definitely not one for the mildly-curious recreational reader. Full review: https://keepingupwiththepenguins.com/story-of-o-pauline-reage/

#bookmoods #bizarre @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks @Eggs
One I cannot unread or forget 😱

There are better books out there, that are sexy, and better at portraying the BDSM relationship. And I hesitate to call this that; because the relationship here seems manipulative, deceptive and desperate. It didn‘t jive with me. Also, the use of language is a turn off (belly, portal ... don‘t even get me started).

Maybe I missed something. I get the point; but it missed its mark. You shouldn‘t want to have a nap after reading this genre.

⭐️

Last year for February, my book club did cheesy Harlequin romances. This year we are meeting and discussing (virtually, of course), erotica. So I‘m going all in and hardcore with the OG.

I‘m not even sure what to expect, or if I can handle it...

Ero veramente molto curiosa di iniziare questo libro. Non sono riuscita a finirlo, mi dispiace recensirlo a metà. Credo sia un libro che permette di comprendere forse, molto profondamente l'erotismo bdsm. A me personalmente non permette di essere finito, affascinata da questo libro e da questa passatemi il termine "cultura" ma allo stesso tempo sconvolta e incredula. Spinta dalla curiosità ho guardato il film, non so quanto sia fedele al libro...

I really would like this book to be analyzed for its literary value, not for its erotic value. The exploration of female submission in a male world is applicable to the whole of society as a concept, even modern day. The sex is not the point - control and gender expectations are the point.

An important story for its historical significance (it inspired Anna's dress in the second 50 Shades movie for a reason) but as a story? Its a little vague and the sex is glossed over.

I‘m really excited to start this English translation. Originally published in France in 1954 by an unknown author, this book promises to deeply explore female control. And yes of course they had to add a “sexy” cover and have Sylvia Day write the introduction (marketing, huh?)

It was an interesting read. I was surprised at how emotional I was by the end.

If you've ever had an interest in checking out The Story of O, the "Fifty Shades" of 1950s France, it's just 2 bucks American today. I'd recommend it for the WTF quotient and to anyone with a scholarly interest in erotica/feminine desire in literature. Not necessarily to modern erotica fans. I mean, there's an alternate ending in which the heroine dies, so that should tell you it won't play to your expectations of a safe, sexy time.

I usually have an audiobook, an ebook, and a library book going at all times. Next up in audiobooks is The Story of O. So far it has an Eyes Wide Shut vibe going on with all the capes and costumes but no creepy music or masks #audiobooks