A good trashy read for those hot summer days...
Written: Aug 09 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Addictive, could not put it down
Cons: Ending was a let down
The Bottom Line: Read it for the pure, delicious trashiness of it. You might be disappointed by the ending, but 90% of the book is darn good.
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| barbx's Full Review: Belladonna Books |
If you've read "Story of O" and wondered if O ever wanted to get revenge, this is the book for you. The plot is quite a hook -- a woman seeking revenge on a tormentor she does not know by name. The book illustrates how anger, pain, and psychosexual terror can transform a meek mid-western girl into the cold, mysterious, calculating "Belladonna."
Moline weaves an interesting tale that takes us from London, to Belgium, Italy, New York, and Virginia, and she describes each place magically. I'd compare her descriptive talent matching those in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Diamond as Big as the Ritz." The sumptuous details of each place, its buildings, furnishings, and people are wonderfully evocative (and made me more than a little jealous of the title character's wealth!). The narrator is a Dominick Dunne-like fellow with a wry wit and sharp tongue (I pictured Truman Capote as I was reading -- chubby, effeminate, wicked). The writing style also reminded me of Anne Rice -- long, lots of short dialogue, quirky characters.
This book is not for the faint at heart -- I found the sex (actually kidnap and rape) scenes to be a little graphic. However, it does help you build empathy and an understanding for her search for revenge. You really do want her to find and crucify her tormentor by the time she finds him.
My only criticism is that the ending was too pat. After building up to such a climax (it takes nearly 2/3rds of the book to find "the villian"), it was a disappointing ending. However, the vivid descriptions and juicy, gossipy tone of the narrator made it a fun diversion -- just be prepared for an anti-climactic ending that leaves you feeling a bit cheated.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
barbx
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Location: South Riding, VA
Reviews written: 7
Trusted by: 1 member
About Me:
I'm a new mom that finds parent-written baby equipment reviews helpful.
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