I didn't know what to expect when this book was given to me for Christmas. I read the back and thought it was going to be some bad attempt to turn pornography into literature, but I was so surprised. This is in all rights a beautiful love story with a tragic ending. It could be compared to any classic romantic tragedy. Many people would just see the sexual content and fail to see the aspect of love. There are some elements that may be disturbing to some people when taken at face value. The beatings, the humiliation, and the abandonment are, by most people, seen as abuse. But in the relationship between O and Rene'e and O and Sir Stephan, these are declarations of love in their own right. When you can look at it from that angle you'll be able to appreciate the depth of this story.

Wow... how intense is this book? About as psychologically and emotionally gripping as a personal accout (perhap? could be...) with as much graphic detail as the best erotic literature I've read -and I've done my fair share of smut surfing. I loved it, even if it disturbed me sometimes how much I was enthralled/intoxicated by its content. I gave it to my boyfriend to read, and he and I have had several most interesting conversations as a result.... *grin*
~Cheers

"The Story of O", after reading it, is definitely one of a kind. It reads, at first, like a typical love story until Sir Stephen gets on the scene and then it gets a little scary. It is the untimate in female submission as O completely and untimately turns herself over to her "master".

This is a book that can be a tad disturbing--if you're not ready for it. So, be warned but know some do consider it to be a classic. I liked it, but also like a little "lighter" fare, such as "Breaking the Girl", though this is a must read for any fan of the BDSM genre.

Many others say that this book is about more than just bondage and S & M, but a tale of love. I think it is more aobut discipline and submission and how men truely do like that, than it is about "love". O is fickle when it comes to her lover(s), which leads one to believe she isn't really in love with any of them. The novel did not distub me in any way, but it also leads one to believe that most people find this okay, which we know is not the case. It definately fits the genre for whom it was intended, and for that I agree it is a work of fine fiction.

I was filled with anticipation when my book arrived and was looking forward to reading it. What a disappointment! I didn't even get past page 8. It bored me to death. I think that this book is such a waste of time. I was so disappointed with it I immediately sold it. If you're planning to read some erotica, better read Anais Nin's 'Delta of Venus". Now that is a good book!