A beautiful piece of sensuality
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This is a classic novella that far surpasses the more mass produced contemporary short stories of BDSM erotica. There is a heightened awareness of sensuality as well as submission in Sacher Masoch's words. It is also interesting from a historical context, given the time when slavery in its true form was still around in certain parts of European culture, much to Severin's delight! The character of Wanda and her issues of performing in what would now be referred to as a service top is insightful from the author's perspective. If you enjoy the feel of fabrics (in this case fur, where there are numerous references), then this will also be an inspiration to read, re-read and share with like-minded others.
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The start of a genre....
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You can guess the subject matter from the authors name, Masoch. Of course the masochism is not as explicit as one might expect due to the times it was written, but the psychological aspects are all there. The eroticism is veiled but still intense. There is some whip use for fans of this genre though! Essentially it is a story of Severin's obsessive love for the sumptuous Wanda, and the self inflicted degradation it entails. He feels the only way he can express his love is through suffering, and this is where all the psychological and physical games begin. Severin becomes her slave, she gives him a new name and humiliates him. Then to "Gregor's" dismay she takes a new lover....and things get out of control. Worth looking at the graphic novel by Guido Crepax too. A true classic!
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Mediocre literature
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For those who wish to become possessed with the parodies and ironies involved in eighteenth century literature, this book is sure to stun. With its complexities and philosophical questions arising from the first page, it seems almost surprising that this book would be considered 'erotic' literature.
Certainly, for those interested in such a genre, it would be recommended if only for its disturbing recreation of sadistic acts and the power of the literature itself but it is far from done distastefully. With only a few sadistic acts, it is not for those longing to delve into literature of both temptation and lust.
In truth, I was surprised at both the ending and the questions it imposed upon the reader. It was structured in such a fashion as to provoke that and, if that was the writer's intention, I truly applaud him on that respect. However, I do find that the focus upon a single character was done to a mediocre level and the main character at that was almost dimmed in comparison to lesser characters.
The book should be read for those wishing to induce thought in their minds, to understand the nature of temptation and lust but it is far from truly erotic in comparison to other novels of a similar kind. I believe that the book was written with a wonderfully creative mind, limited only by the mediocrity of characters and the writer's will to place a man at the forefront of the novel.
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'If you can't be a decent, faithful wife, then be a devil'
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'Venus in Furs' is the story of Severin von Kusiemski, a young man who falls passionately in love (or lust?, you decide) with a flame-haired beauty called Wanda von Dunajew. Initially he wants Wanda to be his wife but says that, if she is unable to commit in this way, he will become her slave to do with as she will.
This is a story about sexual obsession, cruelty and humiliation, and although it was written in the late nineteenth century the psychological power of the novel is still pretty shocking. (Just as an aside, if you are reading this for its pornographic content, you might be better looking elsewhere!) It becomes even more fascinating when you read the introduction and find that much of the novel mirrors Sacher-Masoch's life!
An interesting and thought provoking read.
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Tender, loving but brutal. One mans ideal?
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This 19th Century classic seems to be considered the beginning of sexual exploration within the mainstream, indeed it is considered that its author Leopold Von Sacher-Masoch gave his name to masochism (although not consciously).
The story is told through a journal of one man: Severin von Kusiemski, a man of good standing within the community but who harbours a deep routed desire to become the slave of a goddess wearing fur. His choice coining her the Venus in Furs is no coincidence for he worships at statues of Venus herself and when he stumbles upon Wanda von Dunajew he feels his search is at an end.
Wanda is for me the far more fascinating of the two characters and arguable would have been a far more interesting character to use as the point of view for this novel. She has depth through the need to explore a chilling dark side that before Severin she was unaware of but you get the feeling that whole time this dark side is a façade, a front that doesn't truly exist and in fact it is her submitting to Severin in her quest to make him happy. This paradox explodes wonderfully towards the end of the book and (for me) you truly see how unprepared Severin is for the path he has chosen, Wanda concocts one last punishment for Severin but again you can clearly see the great love that has gone into doing just that - a women unhappy in her role but seemingly unwilling not to continue for fear of losing the man she loves, until finally he pushes her too far.
I felt the pace of the book was off, we fall far too quickly into the depraved relationship without enough of the build up work, it's like passing your driving test and hoping into a Ferrari - no satisfaction if you can't prang the Metro first. I also felt that oddly the writing of Severin to be a little stunted as well, if you consider this to be deliberate to show how the author feels so much more for Wanda than for himself it can be explained but even so it can be a little disappointing.
I can honestly say I truly enjoyed this novel and not just for the historically significance of the work, but for the tenderness and care that Sacher-Masoch (some what clumsily at times) attempts to instil in the relationship between the books two chief protagonists. Could it have been better? Absolutely. Are today's books on the same subject far more graphic? I would imagine so. Is this worth the read? Definitely, I doubt many works of this subject matter could come close to Sacher-Masoch's work, no matter how rough round the edges it may be.
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