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Le Lien
Elle pourrait s'appeler Justine, donnant à Pierre l'illusion d'être le divin marquis. Car le lien qui les unit, Sade mieux que personne en a vanté les délices comme les outrages. Égarement des sens qui la pousse à être tour à tour chérie, caressée, menacée, battue.
Livre culte de la littérature érotique, Le Lien est devenu la référence de l’univers sadomasochiste autant par la puissance qui se dégage de ses pages que par la disparition tragique de son auteur à 21 ans.
Récit troublant de la passion et de la douleur, Le Lien nous raconte l’amour paradoxal que Vanessa Duriès voue à Pierre, son premier amant et son initiateur en domination. Plongée dès sa première expérience sexuelle dans un univers érotique extrême, Vanessa Duriès analyse parfaitement le lien ténu qui unit, dans la souffrance et l’humiliation, la soumise à son maître.
Ce qui peut paraître choquant dans ces séances de domination devient, pour Vanessa, une preuve naturelle et indiscutable de passion amoureuse.
Si Vanessa éprouve un bonheur intense à tout ce qu’elle endure, c’est qu’elle peut ainsi prouver à tous l’amour qu’elle porte à son maître.
Un récit d’une franchise presque candide où une jeune fille livre ce qui la pousse à reculer sans cesse les limites de son adoration à travers ses multiples souffrances qui sont devenues sa normalité amoureuse.
Livre culte de la littérature érotique, Le Lien est devenu la référence de l’univers sadomasochiste autant par la puissance qui se dégage de ses pages que par la disparition tragique de son auteur à 21 ans.
Récit troublant de la passion et de la douleur, Le Lien nous raconte l’amour paradoxal que Vanessa Duriès voue à Pierre, son premier amant et son initiateur en domination. Plongée dès sa première expérience sexuelle dans un univers érotique extrême, Vanessa Duriès analyse parfaitement le lien ténu qui unit, dans la souffrance et l’humiliation, la soumise à son maître.
Ce qui peut paraître choquant dans ces séances de domination devient, pour Vanessa, une preuve naturelle et indiscutable de passion amoureuse.
Si Vanessa éprouve un bonheur intense à tout ce qu’elle endure, c’est qu’elle peut ainsi prouver à tous l’amour qu’elle porte à son maître.
Un récit d’une franchise presque candide où une jeune fille livre ce qui la pousse à reculer sans cesse les limites de son adoration à travers ses multiples souffrances qui sont devenues sa normalité amoureuse.
120 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
11 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 22, 2020
A fierce and dangerous book that puts us in the world of BDSM. I say this because it's not a telling of a bdsm fantasy, of a dark erotic adventure, this is the real thing. A true story that puts us in this dark world where the wildest erotic fantasies take place. The focus of this book is the author who is completely surrendered to her master and does not hesitate to reach beyond her limits to satisfy his desires. Through a series of trials involving torture, violent sex and many humiliating situations, she demonstrates her love and devotion, feeling great pride whenever she executes his orders. Naturally, the moments of doubt also come, but each time she manages to overcome them and thus grows her belief that this way of life is the only one that can offer her satisfaction, even if the price for it is high.
A book that is certainly not for everyone, including readers of some of the many BDSM novels that are published nowadays. A book that can upset, shock, even disgust the reader with its very intense erotic scenes. At the same time, however, it can also make him reflect not only on his issue but more generally on our deeper sexual needs. In the end, the writer's message is paradoxically that all this is done out of love, that behind this seemingly violent behaviour and its acceptance can hide tender feelings.
A book that is certainly not for everyone, including readers of some of the many BDSM novels that are published nowadays. A book that can upset, shock, even disgust the reader with its very intense erotic scenes. At the same time, however, it can also make him reflect not only on his issue but more generally on our deeper sexual needs. In the end, the writer's message is paradoxically that all this is done out of love, that behind this seemingly violent behaviour and its acceptance can hide tender feelings.
May 19, 2017
(Diario de lectura, offtopic al 85%)
I- Se podría leer la literatura bdsm sólo a partir de la evolución del concepto filosófico/político/legal de 'consent'. La figura del contrato es fundamental. Como también tratan sobre el amor, la disposición de los cuerpos ('intimidad') y la violencia, creo que este subgénero es el más interesante para leer hoy entre 'la literatura para mujeres'.
II- Igual que el material de los sueños: mientras más alejado del consent contemporáneo, más cercano a cierta visión dionisíaca (vieja palabra) 'inaceptable/inentendible' de la sexualidad (y de la psicología). Sospecho que en la actualidad la capitalización mainstream de este subgénero, depende más de eso que ya Pasolini venía denunciando a principios de los años 60: 'el falso hedonismo del mercado'. Más cercano, Zizek: la doble moral del discurso/ideología liberal que promueve el consume pero al mismo tiempo repele el contacto entre los cuerpos.
III- Libros escritos, la mayoría de las veces, en un estilo sin tantas florituras. Lo que prima es la descripción exacta de los rituales repetitivos.
IV- La lucha entre la subjetividad femenina y masculina ya estaba en de Sade y von Sacher-Masoch, ambos autores plenamente políticos y revolucionarios. No por nada ambos utilizaban lo que Bataille llamó 'el lenguaje de la víctima'. Lenguaje de la víctima que vence (en un mundo hostil, porque ama, porque logra apropiarse de las herramientas del otro, etc.) Lo que me recuerda a algunas protagonistas femeninas de Houellebecq, insospechadamente virtuosas en un mundo hostil.
V- Otra vez Bataille: el origen de esta filosofía/visión de mundo parece tener origen en la edad media judeocristiana, y están en el cruce de la religión y las imposiciones legales (torturas). Una precursora genial: El libro de la vida de Santa Teresa de Ávila... escrita a 'pedido de su confesor'.
VI- Lo más importante y la pregunta de siempre: ¿cómo ajustar las herramientas para leer estos libros?, ¿cuáles son los mecanismos por los cuales este y el otro de Duriès son -o no- efectivos?: el narrador que casi se confunde con la primera persona, las frases cortas, al filo. La construcción de psicológica de personajes un poco naive. La repetición de rituales fisiológicos.
I- Se podría leer la literatura bdsm sólo a partir de la evolución del concepto filosófico/político/legal de 'consent'. La figura del contrato es fundamental. Como también tratan sobre el amor, la disposición de los cuerpos ('intimidad') y la violencia, creo que este subgénero es el más interesante para leer hoy entre 'la literatura para mujeres'.
II- Igual que el material de los sueños: mientras más alejado del consent contemporáneo, más cercano a cierta visión dionisíaca (vieja palabra) 'inaceptable/inentendible' de la sexualidad (y de la psicología). Sospecho que en la actualidad la capitalización mainstream de este subgénero, depende más de eso que ya Pasolini venía denunciando a principios de los años 60: 'el falso hedonismo del mercado'. Más cercano, Zizek: la doble moral del discurso/ideología liberal que promueve el consume pero al mismo tiempo repele el contacto entre los cuerpos.
III- Libros escritos, la mayoría de las veces, en un estilo sin tantas florituras. Lo que prima es la descripción exacta de los rituales repetitivos.
IV- La lucha entre la subjetividad femenina y masculina ya estaba en de Sade y von Sacher-Masoch, ambos autores plenamente políticos y revolucionarios. No por nada ambos utilizaban lo que Bataille llamó 'el lenguaje de la víctima'. Lenguaje de la víctima que vence (en un mundo hostil, porque ama, porque logra apropiarse de las herramientas del otro, etc.) Lo que me recuerda a algunas protagonistas femeninas de Houellebecq, insospechadamente virtuosas en un mundo hostil.
V- Otra vez Bataille: el origen de esta filosofía/visión de mundo parece tener origen en la edad media judeocristiana, y están en el cruce de la religión y las imposiciones legales (torturas). Una precursora genial: El libro de la vida de Santa Teresa de Ávila... escrita a 'pedido de su confesor'.
VI- Lo más importante y la pregunta de siempre: ¿cómo ajustar las herramientas para leer estos libros?, ¿cuáles son los mecanismos por los cuales este y el otro de Duriès son -o no- efectivos?: el narrador que casi se confunde con la primera persona, las frases cortas, al filo. La construcción de psicológica de personajes un poco naive. La repetición de rituales fisiológicos.
July 10, 2011
This is one of those books which aren't easy to recomend. One of the books you can love or hate. An example of the books you get trapped in right from the start or have to just anabdon.
In my case, I loved it, got trapped by it. Honestly not right from the start, but near to it. This is the story of a girl whose childhood wasn't perfect. It was a dark and sad one. She was able to get pass it in a rather unique way. One that probably might be frowned upon by many. A victim who chose to think about the why but instead of going in too deep and dissect the causes, she embraced what she found about herself. She chose to take a path that took her to the most unbelievable of experiences. Her world though wasn't one to be shared with many. Only a few select and lucky individuals had the fortune of knowing this amazing girl.
As with several other promissing authors, we won't be able to enjoy their talent. She left this world sooner than she should. What would have been of her, her Master, her writing and her life? Questions that will never be answered. Her talent wouldn't have been kept a secret, that decision was made when she was allowed to write and share this book. Something for which we have to be thankful to her and her Master.
In my case, I loved it, got trapped by it. Honestly not right from the start, but near to it. This is the story of a girl whose childhood wasn't perfect. It was a dark and sad one. She was able to get pass it in a rather unique way. One that probably might be frowned upon by many. A victim who chose to think about the why but instead of going in too deep and dissect the causes, she embraced what she found about herself. She chose to take a path that took her to the most unbelievable of experiences. Her world though wasn't one to be shared with many. Only a few select and lucky individuals had the fortune of knowing this amazing girl.
As with several other promissing authors, we won't be able to enjoy their talent. She left this world sooner than she should. What would have been of her, her Master, her writing and her life? Questions that will never be answered. Her talent wouldn't have been kept a secret, that decision was made when she was allowed to write and share this book. Something for which we have to be thankful to her and her Master.
March 28, 2021
J’ai beaucoup aimé cette lecture hors du commun. C’est très confrontant mais ça permet de mieux comprendre l’univers sadomasochiste.
January 13, 2021
I think he did it but I just can't prove it.
December 12, 2010
Nobody does S&M erotica like the French. All of the great works came out of France, e.g., "Histoire d'O" by Pauline Reage and "L'image" by Jean de Berg. Now we have another to add to the list. This one is an exception to the rule however, for it is non fiction. The Ties that Bind is an amazing book that recounts the author's self discovery that for her, pain equals pleasure.
She begins the book by recalling that in her childhood, her father beat her for the slightest indiscretions. This would lead her to the realization that
Quote:
Not having the nature of an Amazon, not knowing how to oppose violence with cruelty, I learnt to dominate those who used me by making the offering of my submission both mystical and ambiguous.
At the age of 20, and still a virgin, she begins her tutelage under her beloved master, Pierre, who indoctrinates her into the sadomasochistic lifestyle. What follows is a series of trials and her education at the hands of Pierre and several other masters and mistresses in shadowy chateaus and basement dungeons across France. Through these extremely cruel and physically draining trials, she comes to several epiphanies about herself and the world around her:
Quote:
The master is in a state of total dependence in relation to his slave. The master exists and only finds his place or his justification in relation to the slave. He is in reality the slave of the slave, of her acceptance to submit to the cruelties which excite him.
Quote:
On the contrary, through the subtle game of relationships of strength, the slave can be the one who exerts the true power in the sadomasochistic relationship.
Tragically Duries was killed in a auto accident months after the publication of this book in 1993 at the age of 23. She was somewhat of a minor celebrity at the time of her death, appearing on Bernard Pivot's talk show and appearing nude in a men's magazine. All of this is documented in the afterward by Maxim Jakubowsi. There is a forward by Maria Isabel Pita that poses the question, what if she would've lived? Could she have kept up the extreme lifestyle that she was living at the time. What would she have written? She was working on a second book at the time of her death, entitled "The Rivals", supposedly about 2 rival submissives. What if indeed.
This edition is a very good English translation put out by Magic Carpet Books. Highly Recommended.
She begins the book by recalling that in her childhood, her father beat her for the slightest indiscretions. This would lead her to the realization that
Quote:
Not having the nature of an Amazon, not knowing how to oppose violence with cruelty, I learnt to dominate those who used me by making the offering of my submission both mystical and ambiguous.
At the age of 20, and still a virgin, she begins her tutelage under her beloved master, Pierre, who indoctrinates her into the sadomasochistic lifestyle. What follows is a series of trials and her education at the hands of Pierre and several other masters and mistresses in shadowy chateaus and basement dungeons across France. Through these extremely cruel and physically draining trials, she comes to several epiphanies about herself and the world around her:
Quote:
The master is in a state of total dependence in relation to his slave. The master exists and only finds his place or his justification in relation to the slave. He is in reality the slave of the slave, of her acceptance to submit to the cruelties which excite him.
Quote:
On the contrary, through the subtle game of relationships of strength, the slave can be the one who exerts the true power in the sadomasochistic relationship.
Tragically Duries was killed in a auto accident months after the publication of this book in 1993 at the age of 23. She was somewhat of a minor celebrity at the time of her death, appearing on Bernard Pivot's talk show and appearing nude in a men's magazine. All of this is documented in the afterward by Maxim Jakubowsi. There is a forward by Maria Isabel Pita that poses the question, what if she would've lived? Could she have kept up the extreme lifestyle that she was living at the time. What would she have written? She was working on a second book at the time of her death, entitled "The Rivals", supposedly about 2 rival submissives. What if indeed.
This edition is a very good English translation put out by Magic Carpet Books. Highly Recommended.
August 22, 2012
A warning to any of you who come along to this one after reading Fifty Shades... this one is WAY more like "Fifty Shades of Grey" than "Fifty Shades Freed," so set your expectations accordingly. Pierre is definitely not giving her any *more* in this book. If you came to Fifty Shades for the titillation but stayed for the romance -- this is NOT the book for you.
Picture it as a description of what Ana Steele was too "plucky" to allow herself to share with Christian. (Ana's "inner goddess" would have committed suicide on page 10 of this book!)
The Ties That Bind reminded me a lot of The Story of O, without being quite as literary -- this one is a memoir. It's a stark and very graphic account of an S&M relationship.
Picture it as a description of what Ana Steele was too "plucky" to allow herself to share with Christian. (Ana's "inner goddess" would have committed suicide on page 10 of this book!)
The Ties That Bind reminded me a lot of The Story of O, without being quite as literary -- this one is a memoir. It's a stark and very graphic account of an S&M relationship.
April 5, 2013
En fait, je l'ai lu en français. Mais la critique ci-dessous est en anglais.
C'est un ouvrage court, c'est vrai, mais la valeur n'est pas dans le nombre de pages, n'est-ce pas? Bien écrit, ce récit montre de façon crédible comment une adepte du BDSM voit le monde et sa situation. Je le recommande à tous ceux que l'univers magique de la Domination/soumission intéresse. Aux autres, s'abstenir.
N.B. On peut trouver le même ouvrage en anglais sous le titre "The Ties That Bind".
Link for my complete review: http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?p=19420
C'est un ouvrage court, c'est vrai, mais la valeur n'est pas dans le nombre de pages, n'est-ce pas? Bien écrit, ce récit montre de façon crédible comment une adepte du BDSM voit le monde et sa situation. Je le recommande à tous ceux que l'univers magique de la Domination/soumission intéresse. Aux autres, s'abstenir.
N.B. On peut trouver le même ouvrage en anglais sous le titre "The Ties That Bind".
Link for my complete review: http://heartsonfirereviews.com/?p=19420
April 5, 2016
This is without a doubt, the most beautiful erotic novel I have ever read. The prose is stunning and every page is perfection -- with not an extra word. I was aroused, saddened, shocked, relieved and shocked again. Vanessa Duries died in a car accident, the year after it was released in France -- this truly is a loss for the world. Very few writers are as skillful as her. But...with the one book -- she has certainly made her mark. Just wow!
August 2, 2015
Very short, and really quite sad at times. The passion and sense of love the two have for each other though is clear and palpable. And any novel that makes my heart beat this fast and my breathing this pronounced is worthy of at least 4 stars. I'd have given it 5 only it was soo short that I felt it had passed me by just as I was really getting into it.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
December 7, 2020
La giovanissima Vanessa Duriès racconta in questo breve libro la sua iniziazione ai misteri del sadomaso. Nonostante la giovane età, in queste pagine, che hanno l'unico difetto di essere troppo poche, dimostra una maturità e una consapevolezza fenomenali (quelle che peraltro mancavano del tutto ai suoi genitori, visto il loro comportamento, questo sì aberrante, quando scoprirono casualmente le attitudini sessuali della figlia). Altro che l'insulso personaggetto dei cento colpi di spazzola, pronto a tornare sulla retta via non appena trova il suo principe azzurro... Putroppo nel 1993, a soli ventun anni, un incidente stradale strappò brutalmente la Duriès al suo ineffabile cammino di conoscenza. Assieme a "Dolorosa soror" di Florence Dugas, il più bel romanzo che abbia mai letto sull'argomento. Non cito Histoire d'O perché a mio parere esso è un classico fuori dallo spazio e dal tempo, troppo "oltre" da tutto, anche dallo stesso concetto di BDSM.
June 22, 2020
Bien.
El defecto que le encuentro a este libro es que es muy corto, son muy pocas páginas y no te da un sentido de conocer toda la historia, lo que hace que disminuya la emoción.
Digamos que es algo intermedio entre manual e historia de una relación sadomadoquista.
La psicología del personaje me ha encantado. Eso es lo mejor del libro para mí: cómo te lleva a entenderla, estés de acuerdo o no con ella. Su relación de total dependencia, que va en ambos sentidos entre el Amo y la sumisa está muy bien explicada.
Las escenas descriptivas de sus relaciones sexuales, aunque es cierto que se vuelven algo repetitivas, están presentadas de una forma tan directa que simplemente capturan más. No están pensadas para conmover o sorprender, sino para narrar, para marcar lo obvio.
Me gustó mucho.
El defecto que le encuentro a este libro es que es muy corto, son muy pocas páginas y no te da un sentido de conocer toda la historia, lo que hace que disminuya la emoción.
Digamos que es algo intermedio entre manual e historia de una relación sadomadoquista.
La psicología del personaje me ha encantado. Eso es lo mejor del libro para mí: cómo te lleva a entenderla, estés de acuerdo o no con ella. Su relación de total dependencia, que va en ambos sentidos entre el Amo y la sumisa está muy bien explicada.
Las escenas descriptivas de sus relaciones sexuales, aunque es cierto que se vuelven algo repetitivas, están presentadas de una forma tan directa que simplemente capturan más. No están pensadas para conmover o sorprender, sino para narrar, para marcar lo obvio.
Me gustó mucho.
May 18, 2019
Un novela dura sobre todo porque cuenta la experiencia real de la autora como sumisa.
Escenas de sexo bastante fuertes mezcladas con los pensamientos, dudas y reflexiones de la autora.
En ocasiones es muy fácil empatizar con ella pero otras me resultó casi imposible. Sin embargo, no es difícil ver por qué este libro ha acabado siendo tan importante para los amantes del BDSM.
Si buscas algo más duro y más real que 50 Sombras y toda esa literatura pseudo sasomasoquista, si buscas entender qué impulsa a un mujer a convertirse en sumisa, este es tu libro.
Escenas de sexo bastante fuertes mezcladas con los pensamientos, dudas y reflexiones de la autora.
En ocasiones es muy fácil empatizar con ella pero otras me resultó casi imposible. Sin embargo, no es difícil ver por qué este libro ha acabado siendo tan importante para los amantes del BDSM.
Si buscas algo más duro y más real que 50 Sombras y toda esa literatura pseudo sasomasoquista, si buscas entender qué impulsa a un mujer a convertirse en sumisa, este es tu libro.
March 16, 2018
Horrible
No se porque los escritores se atreven a escribir esto es increible como se rebaja ala mujer estan degradante sin temor a equivocarme es la peor comprar que e echo asta ahorita ..
No se porque los escritores se atreven a escribir esto es increible como se rebaja ala mujer estan degradante sin temor a equivocarme es la peor comprar que e echo asta ahorita ..
April 22, 2020
Un libro sencillo y fácil de leer pero que te introduce sin tapujos al BDSM. Creo que lo que más me llamo la atención es todo el esfuerzo que hacen ella y su Amo para vivir su sexualidad con profundidad y satisfacción. Cosa que, como ella explica, la mayoría de la gente no hace. Lo recomiendo.
March 7, 2023
Subversivo, turbador, desconcertante. Nunca había leído nada de sadomasoquismo y me parece un mundo muy curioso. Y opinando desde mi humilde percepción, incluso podría calificarlo como un mundo duro, exigente, severo.
December 19, 2017
Narraciones extraordinarias sobre la dominación, Duriès termina explicando mejor el concepto que Weber y sus alumnos.
May 22, 2020
Una perspectiva femenina de las prácticas sado desde el papel de la sumisión visto como dominante y epicentro de placer.
August 18, 2025
Nunca pensé que me gustaría tanto el bdsm y curiosamente este fue el primer libro que he leído completo, y para mí sorpresa me gustó bastante
November 12, 2025
Interesante, o sea no es explícito pero si como que la prota está safada de la cabeza en su mundo sadico y así
May 4, 2015
Before there was Fifty Shades, there was The Ties That Bind! Okay, you've probably are wondering why the hell would this guy read smut but apparently since E. L. James made "mommy porn" mainstream, then why not research true BDSM on the extreme side instead of the shitty fairy tale out there she made famous.
I came across a second hand physical copy in a used bookstore and thought I'd give a whirl. As someone who reads subversive literature, it was no biggie since I'm an adult and I'll read just about anything. Hell, apparently you can publish books on animal porn and dinosaur erotica so why not a memoir of some woman who was into some freaky deaky shit.
So the basic plot. Woman writes personal diary of her S&M experiences and gives you the lowdown on the "true" subculture of BDSM of submission and dominance. We're talking a no-holds-bar salacious account of her sexual (if you can call it that) dalliances. She has a Master who abuses her on every level (sexually, psychologically, and emotionally) and apparently she gets her rocks off on it. Then she some issues with her family who discover her naughty escapades, becomes estranged, and pretty much meets a sad demise at the end. Just a feel good story. (Insert sad violin music.) Writer finds diary and publishes it. THE END.
Now try reliving it the E. L. James way. Yup, no fairy tale here. Sure, this rips apart the mystique of Fifty Shades and gives one of the many sides of the BDSM community in that type of in-your-face without trying to sugarcoat it but I'd look at it as a behind the scenes thing about a woman who was emotionally scarred from a rough childhood and found some satisfaction in being in a sub-dom relationship. As someone who is very vanilla, (sorry I have a low tolerance for pain) I found this book fascinating and made me wonder what would possess a person to enter into this type of world.
The Ties That Bind is good sociological and psychological research study on human sexuality in understanding the BDSM culture that doesn't try to romanticize the idea. It's certainly not a book for everyone and some details are very shocking (i.e. vaginal piercings and reckless breeding) but it gives a different perspective on the subculture of this hidden world that Fifty Shades has purposely omitted.
Recommended for those that has the stomach to handle gritty literature.
I came across a second hand physical copy in a used bookstore and thought I'd give a whirl. As someone who reads subversive literature, it was no biggie since I'm an adult and I'll read just about anything. Hell, apparently you can publish books on animal porn and dinosaur erotica so why not a memoir of some woman who was into some freaky deaky shit.
So the basic plot. Woman writes personal diary of her S&M experiences and gives you the lowdown on the "true" subculture of BDSM of submission and dominance. We're talking a no-holds-bar salacious account of her sexual (if you can call it that) dalliances. She has a Master who abuses her on every level (sexually, psychologically, and emotionally) and apparently she gets her rocks off on it. Then she some issues with her family who discover her naughty escapades, becomes estranged, and pretty much meets a sad demise at the end. Just a feel good story. (Insert sad violin music.) Writer finds diary and publishes it. THE END.
Now try reliving it the E. L. James way. Yup, no fairy tale here. Sure, this rips apart the mystique of Fifty Shades and gives one of the many sides of the BDSM community in that type of in-your-face without trying to sugarcoat it but I'd look at it as a behind the scenes thing about a woman who was emotionally scarred from a rough childhood and found some satisfaction in being in a sub-dom relationship. As someone who is very vanilla, (sorry I have a low tolerance for pain) I found this book fascinating and made me wonder what would possess a person to enter into this type of world.
The Ties That Bind is good sociological and psychological research study on human sexuality in understanding the BDSM culture that doesn't try to romanticize the idea. It's certainly not a book for everyone and some details are very shocking (i.e. vaginal piercings and reckless breeding) but it gives a different perspective on the subculture of this hidden world that Fifty Shades has purposely omitted.
Recommended for those that has the stomach to handle gritty literature.
March 28, 2013
This is an interesting read, I own the book in the original French, but was offered the opportunity to read it in English and jumped at the chance (my French is rusty). Written as a memoir made even more poignant by the author’s very early death, there is an underlying tone of sadness that invades the story, even as she is finding her ‘place’ in the world of BDSM.
While the world of BDSM is often a guilty pleasure and fascination for readers, and the most popular series ‘dedicated’ to the lifestyle has become the go-to reference for many: this is not a bored housewife looks for spice tale. The situations are far darker, with a dominant older male who is far more immersed in the lifestyle, and her pathway to sexual submissive / slave is one that is depicted with truth, if not always elegant.
Not an easy read, or as titillating as the subject matter may suggest: her realization that submission was a coping mechanism that she learned early in life, with a childhood that was peppered with random beatings in an unhappy family life. When she met Pierre, she didn’t slowly learn the ins and outs, she dives right in and endures several tests of her submission from her master and several others throughout the French countryside.
While the story is gripping, the writing is rougher than one would hope: partly this is due to translation, partly the immaturity of the writer. Unfortunately, she was in the process of crafting the second in this series when she died in an auto accident. Certainly a book that will intrigue readers truly interested in this lifestyle and why someone would voluntarily submit to the gruelling process, Vanessa Duriès has created a book that can sit on the shelf with
Histoire d'O by Pauline Reage and L'image by Jean de Berg.
I received an eBook from the author for purpose of honest review for Jeep Diva. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions were my own responsibility.
While the world of BDSM is often a guilty pleasure and fascination for readers, and the most popular series ‘dedicated’ to the lifestyle has become the go-to reference for many: this is not a bored housewife looks for spice tale. The situations are far darker, with a dominant older male who is far more immersed in the lifestyle, and her pathway to sexual submissive / slave is one that is depicted with truth, if not always elegant.
Not an easy read, or as titillating as the subject matter may suggest: her realization that submission was a coping mechanism that she learned early in life, with a childhood that was peppered with random beatings in an unhappy family life. When she met Pierre, she didn’t slowly learn the ins and outs, she dives right in and endures several tests of her submission from her master and several others throughout the French countryside.
While the story is gripping, the writing is rougher than one would hope: partly this is due to translation, partly the immaturity of the writer. Unfortunately, she was in the process of crafting the second in this series when she died in an auto accident. Certainly a book that will intrigue readers truly interested in this lifestyle and why someone would voluntarily submit to the gruelling process, Vanessa Duriès has created a book that can sit on the shelf with
Histoire d'O by Pauline Reage and L'image by Jean de Berg.
I received an eBook from the author for purpose of honest review for Jeep Diva. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions were my own responsibility.
December 17, 2019
Cuando de narraciones en primera persona se trata, es de suponer que el autor logre de manera más efectiva conectar al lector con quien protagoniza el relato -al menos así me pasa muchas veces- en esta ocasión no puedo ni por un minuto sentirme identificada con alguien tan retorcida como esta mujer que goza en las circunstancias más aberrantes, en una sucesión de pruebas y suplicios carnales a las que se ve sometida sólo para complacer a su adorado amo.
Al leer, como muchos otros me imagino todo: escenario, personajes, lugares, encuentros, y muchos de los libros se desarrollan en mi cabeza como películas más o menos plausibles o incluso dignas de todos los elogios; esto no pasa de ser un argumento ridículo de película "erótica" clase B, con una que otra palabra rimbombante mencionada por la fulana esclava y con un final tan mediocre como toda ella.
Bien podría calificarse como la peor de mis pesadillas vuelta libro, en serio no consigo entender qué placer encierra el S&M, en fin, eso es materia para otra discusión.
Y no, no es mojigatería, qué cosa más grotesca y ruin.
Al leer, como muchos otros me imagino todo: escenario, personajes, lugares, encuentros, y muchos de los libros se desarrollan en mi cabeza como películas más o menos plausibles o incluso dignas de todos los elogios; esto no pasa de ser un argumento ridículo de película "erótica" clase B, con una que otra palabra rimbombante mencionada por la fulana esclava y con un final tan mediocre como toda ella.
Bien podría calificarse como la peor de mis pesadillas vuelta libro, en serio no consigo entender qué placer encierra el S&M, en fin, eso es materia para otra discusión.
Y no, no es mojigatería, qué cosa más grotesca y ruin.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2010
This book had a lot of hot scenes in it as the author discusses her introduction to and journey into the world of BDSM. She also discussed her fall out with her parents as they discovered their 20-something year old daughter was living this life. I remember her introduction and how she was so taken with a woman only known as a number, who was so submissive to men... she watched as the numbered one serviced those around her. Soon, she was willingly serving dominate men (and women). According to the book, the author was killed in a car accident as the book was going into publication.
November 6, 2012
This is a fantasy and it is not a fantasy. It's a true story. Even in translation, it is beautifully written, portraying the emotions that a submissive woman enjoys at the hands of a skillful Master.
I haven't read the currently popular "50 Shades" series, but I imagine this book is far more true to the spirit of BDSM and the loving relationships that can exist along with it than a Twilight-inspired fanfic-altered story can be. And let me mention again, the writing is excellent, even though it has been translated from French.
It's brief, it's tasty, it's kinky. Enjoy.
I haven't read the currently popular "50 Shades" series, but I imagine this book is far more true to the spirit of BDSM and the loving relationships that can exist along with it than a Twilight-inspired fanfic-altered story can be. And let me mention again, the writing is excellent, even though it has been translated from French.
It's brief, it's tasty, it's kinky. Enjoy.
June 22, 2014
este no es un libro erótico, es un tratado sobre el SM contado con todo detalle por su autora, esclava de estas prácticas.
entiendo que por amor puedan hacerse muchas cosas, pero no entiendo cómo se puede llegar a esos niveles de humillación y sometimiento, pero me gusta cómo la autora describe sus experiencias, nos intenta explicar qué es en realidad el SM, no desde una visión sucia sino como una forma de vida, y como ella, encuentra su verdadero yo practicandolo.
entiendo que por amor puedan hacerse muchas cosas, pero no entiendo cómo se puede llegar a esos niveles de humillación y sometimiento, pero me gusta cómo la autora describe sus experiencias, nos intenta explicar qué es en realidad el SM, no desde una visión sucia sino como una forma de vida, y como ella, encuentra su verdadero yo practicandolo.
June 23, 2008
This is not for the weak-hearted person. It is very graphic and at times very sad. I really enjoyed the book, but it would have been better to read her follow-up. She died in a car accident after writing this true story about her life as a slave. She was in the middle of a second book.
This is book is geared toward very specific groups of people, not for everyone at all
This is book is geared toward very specific groups of people, not for everyone at all
June 19, 2014
Demasiado brutal para mi gusto... la ausencia de diálogos me ha descolocado mucho en un libro como este y bueno, me ha gustado, pero también me ha parecido exagerado.http://melaniaoliverluna280.blogspot....
August 11, 2012
Very honest and brave.
October 29, 2013
Una nuevo enfoque sobre el mundo BDSM: 1000% recomendable.
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