Les Liaisons dangereuses (Oxford World's Classics) 
asked by rafit on November 27, 2006 1:31 AM
The complex moral ambiguities of seduction and revenge make Les Liaisons dangereuses (1782) one of the most scandalous and controversial novels in European literature. Its prime movers, the Vicomte de Valmont and the Marquise de Merteuil--gifted, wealth, and bored--form an unholy alliance and
turn seduction into a game. And they play this game with such wit and style that it is impossible not to admire them, until they discover mysterious rules that they cannot understand. In the ensuing battle there can be no winners, and the innocent suffer with the guilty.
This new translation gives Laclos a modern voice, and readers will be able to judge whether the novel is as "diabolical" and "infamous" as its critics have claimed, or whether it has much to tell us about a world we still inhabit.
turn seduction into a game. And they play this game with such wit and style that it is impossible not to admire them, until they discover mysterious rules that they cannot understand. In the ensuing battle there can be no winners, and the innocent suffer with the guilty.
This new translation gives Laclos a modern voice, and readers will be able to judge whether the novel is as "diabolical" and "infamous" as its critics have claimed, or whether it has much to tell us about a world we still inhabit.
Reviews
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What I love about this book, aside from the fact that it maintains a voyeuristic appeal through its epistolary form, is that it is cerebrally sexual.
Laclos' language is gorgeous and his subtlety is sublime. The book is wildly sexual but never crass or disgusting.
Marquise de Merteuil and Vicomte de Valmont are the absolute paragons of villainy that you will love to hate.
The book is at its simplest level a study of the total destruction of naivete and innocence, but you can be sure that just desserts will be served all around.
A fantastic novel...if only de Laclos had written more!
Also, the movie version starring Glenn Close and John Malkovich is wonderful as well--but of course, I recommend reading the novel first.
Laclos' language is gorgeous and his subtlety is sublime. The book is wildly sexual but never crass or disgusting.
Marquise de Merteuil and Vicomte de Valmont are the absolute paragons of villainy that you will love to hate.
The book is at its simplest level a study of the total destruction of naivete and innocence, but you can be sure that just desserts will be served all around.
A fantastic novel...if only de Laclos had written more!
Also, the movie version starring Glenn Close and John Malkovich is wonderful as well--but of course, I recommend reading the novel first.
reviewed by soulful on November 29, 2006 4:15 PM
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Now like most folks I sort of remember the film adaptation ("Dangerous Liaisons") as a vaguely enjoyable but stuffy costume drama. When some years ago a fellow seated next to me on a plane said "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" was the best book he has ever read I thought I'd give it a try. Well I finally got around to reading it. While it is decidedly NOT the best book ever it does have its moments.
The story involves a scheming pair of former lovers sharing their designs on capturing and destroying hearts of innocents around them. I can see when this book was written over two hundred years ago it caused a great scandal. While not explicit in language it leaves little doubt as to what is transpiring. Just when our nasty duo get close to capturing their prey everything unravels in an unexpected way (..no spoilers here).
Since the story is told in a sequence of over one hundred letters between the characters I'd imagine most folks would find this format to be a major turn-off. Admittedly the first half of the book is a bit tedious. However the second half is quite engrossing, making this book well worth the effort.
Bottom line: a unique book worthy of its reputation. Recommended.
The story involves a scheming pair of former lovers sharing their designs on capturing and destroying hearts of innocents around them. I can see when this book was written over two hundred years ago it caused a great scandal. While not explicit in language it leaves little doubt as to what is transpiring. Just when our nasty duo get close to capturing their prey everything unravels in an unexpected way (..no spoilers here).
Since the story is told in a sequence of over one hundred letters between the characters I'd imagine most folks would find this format to be a major turn-off. Admittedly the first half of the book is a bit tedious. However the second half is quite engrossing, making this book well worth the effort.
Bottom line: a unique book worthy of its reputation. Recommended.
reviewed by officefan on November 29, 2006 5:36 PM