Stephanie M. (nordidian) reviewed on 2/28/2011 + 4 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 3

I used to enjoy Anne Rice's work. I really did. I've never been unable to finish a book of hers.

This book, however? This poorly research, barely thought-out rag of smut that distorts the world of S&M horrifically? I put it down with a third of the book to go.

Leaving aside the parts where the "punishments" would have been lethal within a day or so, such as being hung double by your wrists for the ceiling (Rice mentions the slaves are left this way for up to a week), and the way that slaves are forced into subjugation by threats such as being handed to the servants of the castle (where they will be subject to repeated rape, beatings, more rape, and more beatings)... no, not leaving that aside. That's what disgusted me about this book.

A true S&M relationship, a healthy one, is based on mutual consent and a terrifying amount of trust. If the slave is whipped, spanked, punshied, whatever, it is because the slave wants it and enjoys it. The slaves in this book do not want it, except as far as a severe case of Stockholm syndrome makes them.

Rice is propagating a damaging and sadly widespread view of S&M. I understand that it is, more or less, Rice's literary version of a wish fulfillment dream, but there are many people who already have a poor understanding of S&M who will read this book and believe it to be something like what she presents.

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