Book Reviews
Ages of Lulu by Almudena Grandes, Sonia Soto (tranlator)
Book review by Prahana
"Sleeping Beauty" this book ain't. So if you're looking for the usual cliched
mindless fantasy that characterizes much of the BDSM erotica out there, pass
this baby by. Ms. Grandes has crafted a fine piece of erotic literature, a la
the darkest Anais Nin, and which demands the reader THINK a little. WOW- what
a concept! This book explores the baser aspects of D&S,
and many may not like what Almudena has to say. Like it or not however, and
as vehemently as we in the scene may protest otherwise, there is a GREAT deal
of pathology in the BDSM D/S community. It frightened me a little, that I
identified so well with the story's protagonist, and the book actually made
me question my own motives and reasons for being in the scene. Which is a
good thing.
It is obvious that the author has been involved in a D/S relationship, , and it is interesting
to speculate to what extent this book is autobiographical. It chronicles the
precocious sexual awakenings of a young woman named Maria Luisa (Lulu), who,
deprived of her mother's love and affection as a young child, turns to her
older brother's best friend Pablo, for the nurturing and acceptance she so
desperately craves. She is 15 he 27, when, one night, after attending a
concert, he submerges her into a world which will draw her down, deeper and
deeper, until, at the books end, she hits unfathomable depths.
"His tongue was hot, and tasted of gin. He licked my whole
face, my chin, my throat, my neck, and then I decided not
to think any more, for the first time, not to think- he'd do the
thinking for me."
And so it begins... The obsession, the longing, the aching and relentless
search for validation and acceptance. She becomes an addict, her sexual
relationships becoming more perverse, more base, an interesting comment on
the addictive nature of BDSM. At what point does one say...enough is enough?
Lulu is unable to make this distinction, and when her marriage to Pablo
crumbles, she seeks out the service of homosexual prostitutes. She pays to
watch them fuck, joining in when she can- it is her masochistic way of
remaining connected with her ex, as she is fascinated with Pablo's
relationship with her beloved brother.... A relationship that was erotic in
nature, and one that would eventually unwittingly involve her, in order to
satisfy one of her Dominant's more taboo of fantasies.
The unexpected twist at the book's end is brutally poignant, and several
degrees beyond disturbing. She is the sacrificial lamb, cleansed by her
suffering, returned to the 'safety' of the fold.. But the reader is left
wondering...where could she possibly go from here? One also wonders what is
DeGrandes' message? Is it to warn the growing numbers of people exposed to
BDSM D/S via the hollow, sterile medium of cyber and mass media, that this
lifestyle involves much more than the overly romanticized speculation found
in chat rooms, and the flowery fantasy of Anne Rice? Or is it a statement c
ondemning the lifestyle as a whole? It's addictive nature, it's
depersonalization, the frequent LACK of intimacy, and the potential
dehumanization.... Either way, this book will make you question what exactly *draws* you to BDSM D/S, and why it is
you keep coming back for more....and more........ and more.
Get it from Amazon.com
The Art of Sensual Female Dominance, by Claudia Varrin
Review by Bruce J
It is a pleasure and honor that this slut sub was given the task to review
the book "The Art of Sensual Female Dominance," by
the lovely and gracious Domme, Claudia Varrin. The book is written as "A
Guide for Women," but incorporates more than the
technical how-to of domination and submission. Throughout the book, Claudia
incorporates into the writing her personal
experiences and philosophy to create a style that is both captivating and
erotic. As I moved through the reading, it was
clear that Claudia truly has fun as a Domme and that D/s - BDSM is about
erotic enjoyment.
Claudia starts with a basic introduction for the uninitiated beginner. SM is
a form of sexual expression, sexual magic as
she aptly coins, not the better-known definition of sadomasochism. For many,
the scene is a very powerful and hot form of
foreplay. With that in mind it is easy to understand the common threats that
binds the book together - safe, sane,
consensual and fun. Throughout a key issue she stresses is honest and open
communications - both with your partner and with
yourself.
As the book progresses, she stresses prior proper planning as the basic
foundation needed to achieve a true exchange of
power. Claudia touches on the basics, basics that many experienced players
take for granted - safe words, the attire,
ambiance and atmosphere as the play partners create their individual
personalities with and with-in the scene. This is
clearly important for the novice but is valuable for the experienced player
to revisit.
Claudia soon moves on to the basic forms of domination and techniques of
play. This is where her experience both as a prodom
and a lifestyle domme is used to effectively illustrate the techniques
described. She covers the topics from bondage to
humiliation and head games to water sports.
Several times though out the book I came upon a topic where I said "no never,
not me," but only to be panting in eager
anticipation upon conclusion of the topic. One such breathless moment came wh
en she discussed her first piss play with her
partner Mickey. Oh sign me up! Whether you are a dom/domme or sub, this is
scene I would suggest everyone to duplicate in
his or her own style.
The book is not just about technique, but it is also about style. That is
most clear when she talk about sensual aspects and
slave/slut training. Training is about the mind and putting the sub into the
place where total power exchange is possible.
Here it is not about brut strength, but of the seduction of the will to
resist. Through out the book Claudia uses her own
experience as examples and as a guide.
As this is coming to a close, it is important to stress one final topic to
which Claudia always returns - aftercare - sensual
caring aftercare can not be ignored and only adds to the session.
Furthermore, it adds to the power exchange of the scene
and to the future.
As to the future, the rumor is out that Claudia Verrins1 second book is due
out in early 2001.
Get it from Amazon.com
|
|
