Story of O

By: Pauline Reage

Narrated by: Käthe Mazur

Length: 7 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

O is a young, beautiful fashion photographer in Paris. One day her lover, René, takes her to a château, where she is enslaved, with René's approval, and systematically sexually assaulted by various other men. Later, René turns O over to Sir Stephen, an English friend who intensifies the brutality. But the final humiliation is yet to come.

©1965 Grove Press, Inc. (P)2012 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A rare thing, a pornographic book well written and without a trace of obscenity." (Graham Greene)

An arousing novel for all your senses.

I was so enthralled and enslaved by this novel that I found my neck jerking with each tug of O's collar, my heart jumping with anticipation of O's punishments, and my body squirming in reaction to the strikes of the riding crop. The narrator did a fantastic job of speaking with the mood of the novel. The only criticism I have is for the last few pages of the book. The second ending was rather rushed and condensed for such a marvelously descritive novel.

different<br />

I finished the book just to see what became of o only to be left with a vague ending. this is definitely not an erotica novel in my opinion. it did provoke feelings and emotions. it was a strange and curious story to say the least

Oh O!

Would you listen to Story of O again? Why?

Definitely, the story of O is a complex one but well worth the listen and read! I do recommend going in with an open mind and trying your best to not form an opinion until the very end. This story seems like one that helps you further develop your thoughts of the story, characters,and concepts with every additional read.

What other book might you compare Story of O to and why?

As so elegantly stated in the introduction, this was the first erotica book written by a women! The better question is what books would I compare to O. The whole idea of the possession can be seen as an extreme version of the Crossfire novels. To be noted, there are plenty of differences between the Crossfire and O but if open to see it, you can also find similarities.

Which scene was your favorite?

An unforgettable part in the book was the branding of Sir Steven's name on O, and the way they attached the leash for the ball.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

In the beginning I was very offended and at times upset but once O explained herself and her feeling and reasons my reaction turned to respect. Not respect in what she allowed to happen to her, but in respect in knowing what she liked and wanted and not apologizing for it.

Any additional comments?

I truly loved the book. There are difficult parts and down right things I would never fully digest, but the story is well written, I only wish I could have enjoyed it in french.

A tedious explanation of BDSM.....

Remember this is "classic literature", I am more of a modern story listener myself, I did not enjoy this.

wow...

just wow I can't say I liked the ending but the story was amazing! definitely a must listen

It broke my heart

This work of literature - which it is - captivated my attention in ways that surprised me. My heart was broken that "O" should give herself so completely to a lifestyle that was both barbaric and yet fascinating in it's structure. Rene', her cowardly lover, weak and using her solely as a means to secure his own approval. Sir Stephen, a true Master who saw through to her true nature and nurtured it even as he stole the last inkling of her freedom. If there is indeed any alternate ending where she dies I can absolutely believe she would do as the narrator implies. I weep for her now, even as I cringed FOR her as I journeyed with her through to the end of her story.

Such a strange experience.

This may have been one of the most uncomfortable listening experiences I have had with an audiobook.

I am a fan of erotica (perhaps strange for a man in his forties, even a bisexual man, but there you go). Usually I read my erotica, though, because I find I really need the right voice -- the absolutely perfect voice -- if there is any hope of enjoying erotica in audiobook form. I had never heard anything narrated by Käthe Mazur before Story of O, but her voice was convincing enough in the sample to get me to try the book and, luckily, Mazur's performance was near perfect.

But the beauty of her reading couldn't really overcome my discomfort with the Story of O. I am a fan of BDSM, both in real life and in fantasy, but Story of O is an evocation of the most unhealthy, degrading, non-consensual brand of BDSM. There is rape, there is abuse, there is brainwashing, and there is no hint of real consent, ensuring that what I had hoped would be erotic was, instead, terribly off-putting.

Now had Pauline Reage done all this as a criticism of societies that breed this sort of power abuse, I think I could have checked my discomfort and enjoyed Story of O more. And maybe that is what she meant to do. Unfortunately, I thought it was very likely (or just as likely) that Reage was making a case for this lifestyle, even suggesting that the power dynamics of O's world are right and just.

I am off to find some erotica that turns me on now. I'm done with the kind that makes me feel icky for a while.

As a novel, it ain't much.

Excellent reader, disappointing book. The book has no climax, no denouement, no resolution.

erotic and provoking

The ending was a bit surprising. I expected more for someone so devoted to her submission. Being female myself this was very disappointing. but a good story for the most part.

Could not finish

I could not finish after a few chapters. I found it too disturbing to listen to. I cant really give this a fair rating since I only heard a few chapters.