Story of O

Classic, once-banned tale of sadomasochism which is now known to have been written by the French literary critic Dominique Aury. O, a young woman, is taken by her lover to the chateau in Roissy where her sexual education in absolute obedience is undertaken. Like a visit to the sexual circles of hell, O's odyssey is a gripping exploration of the darkest extremes of sexuality and dominance, made all the more remarkable by the undoubted pleasure the heroine takes in her fall from innocence and grace. Still a controversial book that evokes very different reactions. Review by MAXIM JAKUBOWSKI (Kirkus UK)