Rating: 
Summary: The classic S&M story
Review: You can say what you will about BDSM, and you can say what you will about whether what happened to O in this book is realistic. The fact remains that it is the reference for all the BDSM/erotic stories that have followed. In that respect, it was a true groundbreaker and deserves to be read. The translation is true to the style of the original -- intimate but never prurient or dirty (only incidentally so).I personally found the story intensely erotic, and it remains that way for me even after multiple readings. As a fiction, the plot moves along at the rate of a typical French story (i.e., slowly but with interior reflection and attention to detail). As a classic piece of fiction, I recommend this book. A primer on BDSM it's not, but it's still fun to read.
Rating:
Summary: Titillating!
Review: I read this book in a matter of hours and I have to say I enjoyed what I read. I enjoyed taking the journey with O and discovering what was waiting for her around the corner. I especially enjoyed seeing into a world that is considered dark and foreboding. I know as a woman I should be offended and outraged over the way O was treated, but I wasn't because I found O as into the bondage, the sex and the debasing that was being done to her just as much the person doing the deeds. While O was put into the role of the "dominated" I didn't think for one second that she felt she was being dominated or submissive - especially when she decided to make her "Master" fall in love with her. I found O to be erotic and arousing. My mind was opened up into a whole new genre that and look forward to rereading the Story of O again and again.
Rating: 
Summary: O, O, Oooo!
Review: My only disappointment with this book is its conlusion, which does not exist. There is a story behind why this is so, but I've forgotten it. I like the confidence with which the thing is written--everything is so matter of fact. The narrator is the perfect host and guide into this world where very little is taboo. It worked so well as a unique twist on the "novel," that I can't help but wish it had been concluded. HOW do you conclude a thing like this? I am still waiting.
Rating: 
Summary: not what I expected
Review: I just couldn't relate to O. She did everything I wouldn't. I was just bored with her story although I did finish it. I guess I thought that it might get better and that O might wake up one day and realize that she didn't have to live this terrible life. The torture didn't even seem to turn her on. She just seemed miserable. It was a miserable tale.
Rating:
Summary: O,I loved it!
Review: I found this book to be very erotic. I have read this book a few times now,and enjoyed it every time. It is extremely arousing,and opens your mind to new possibilities.This book made me realise how submissive I am. My lover and I, have both enjoyed the book,and it is often still a topic of our conversation,and it has created some very unforgettable nights!
Rating:
Summary: Story of O as Literature
Review: Let's not forget Pauline Reage--nee Dominique Aury-- wrote this book as a fantasy for her lover. Yes, it's explicit but so was D.H. Lawrence's Lady Chatterley's Lover. If you read Jean Paulhan's introduction, you know the author is a member of the prestigious Academie Francais. The translation by Sabine D'Estree is very dense and intense, but not very erotic. O freely submits--she never whores herself--to her lover Rene and then to his powerful half-brother Sir Stephen. (Kissinger said Power is the ultimate aphrodisiac). If the repeated violence turns you off, I recommend Reage's sequel, Return to the Chateau. It's beautifully written, highly erotic fantasy "of a Girl in Love."
Rating:
Summary: classic s/m..recommend for novices,voyeurs
Review: As a s/m voyeur/novice, i could appreciate this classic form of erotic literature. The author clearly understands the head play involved in a s/m relationship, and the ultimate sacrifices as a submissive/slave. Through the vehicle of lady "O," the reader is taken through the emotional realm of s/m, while at the same time, given a peek of the true inner workings of bondage and sumbission.
Rating:
Summary: Break-through, genre-defining, misunderstood by newer D/sers
Review: A few years ago just prior to her passing, Ms. Reage finally revealed herself - even offering interviews. What she has created, what she has defined and brought into the open for our age (opening the door in the 1950's,) we cannot easily repay. Before her work, there were no publications in the genre save the puerile, repetitive musings of de Sade: "Justine" and "101 Days." Ms. Reage changed this. She re-invented it. She brought it forth from the darkness. Just, for example, in creating the "chateau" device - seemingly obvious, even simple - yet it remains the most copied to this day. But chiefly, I believe, she brought a feminine wisdom to the characters, seeing actions and intent - bereft of particulars, specifics or trivia - through O's eyes as only a woman could. If you read it, take careful note not only of the symbolism of O's name but of how she is an anywoman, she has no physical characteristics save those shared of all women. I cannot do justice to Story here, but it is, truly, literature. The submissive emerges as human for the first time in O. In the Story Reage gave reign to the freedom of mind inherent in humanity. And it is because of that that O is able to desire her freedom's diminishment for - and all the while despite - herself. Indeed, she completes her own submission - not merely because she has in her possession the freedom itself to relinquish - which de Sade's heroine's did not - but as party to her own subjugation she proves her worthiness to be possessed, affirms her subjugation, gives to her masters a freedom that is inconceivable in lieu of her consent. When Ms. Reage still sought anonymity, it was written that the Story, like O, would stand naked before her judges. Sadly, Ms Reage's apologetic noises about Story's harshness and its unlikeliness, I believe, directly contrive to render Story's criticism a certain chic-ness in the community - criticism most undeserved: Especially when Story is appreciated in its context. With this book Ms. Reage provided a defining statement for what would become today's D/s. Story is not a classic. It is THE CLASSIC.
Rating:
Summary: Kinky
Review: The "Story of O" is a kinky, erotically sadistic novel, and is a perfectly fun read if you can remeber that this is fantasy and not reality.
Rating:
Summary: Definitely a Classic!
Review: I read The Story of O a few years ago and i've read it a few times again since then. This is definitely NOT a guide to s&m acts but a very serious study on human behavior and to what lenghts people are willing to go for their true love. Very disturbing at times, especially since i've never read anything on this subject before, but excellent read!
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