Incest

Rating:
Summary: A quick, deep read
Review: This is one of Sade's most well executed works. At its best his prose captures above all the heavy inevitability of real life. As in our lives, there are no miracles, no surprise rescues... only the unavoidable consequences of our actions. INCEST captures that reality and much more. In a way this is an especially philosophical work which very accurately portrays the power-dynamic between parent and child, and the relationship between man and local moral code. There is a spareness to Sade's writing here that will refresh those easily bored by the longwinded philosophical diatribes of works such as JUSTINE and JULIETTE. INCEST is a short quick-moving tale with all elements perfectly placed. A must-read for any fans of the Marquis.

Rating:
Summary: DeSade is Overrated
Review: DeSade never actually describes any of the sex acts which I found disappointing. Maybe what were are exposed to today, regarding sex, it wasen't that shocking. I think a lot of people forget that DeSade was from the upper class and never worked a day in his life. So he felt he could look down on the lower class and woman and tell everyone what was wrong with them. Also, from reading his books that he has a deep hatred for woman and men, which I suppose stems from his mother leaving him with his perverted uncle who allegedly molested him when he was a young boy. I expected more.

Rating:
Summary: Please Disregard the Below, or, The Critique of the Critic
Review: For artfulness alone, and pure freedom, or should I say boldness, of thought, the Marquis De Sade earns five stars for this work and everything else he's written (except of course "Oxtiern," which is, admittedly, dreadful). In this age of hum-drum prose, hacks, and politically-correct morons, Sade's works serve as much needed escapism. As for the below criticism, that Sade is overrated because he doesn't describe graphic sex--a comment like that only means its author hasn't read "120 Days of Sodom," or "Justine," or "Juliette"--whose lewdness would make even the devil blush.