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A review by altheakicks
Venus in Furs by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch
3.0
Venus in Furs was a different read for me. I started reading last year but quickly quit but since my New Year’s resolution is to finish all the books i’ve quit i’ve picked it up again.
It is undeniable that Venus in Furs has a massive impact on society, especially considering the time period it was released. Songs, lipstick shades, books, movies have been named after or have mentioned Venus in Furs. Considered to be one of the first books of its time where a women was in power, especially sexually, this novella was considered radical and explicit. A man submitting to a women was unheard of. But we still live in a society where gender roles are still in place and we may see ourselves as more accepting but are we truly?
Sacher-Masoch’s writing style was almost lyrical but i did feel like i was reading and unfinished draft. The referencing to historical moments, mythology and art was entertaining. I found myself doing more research articles then actually reading the books. The idea of power corrupting people wasn’t a new topic but this story definitely the first to discuss it using this dynamic.
All in all a very interesting read. I don’t think it’s for everyone, it definitely wasn’t for me when i first read it (at times i found myself reading it as a comedy) but it’s good to explore genres you may not always read. How else are we meant to grow, learn and be more accepting.
I do think that my rating for this text has more to do with the impact of the story on society rather than the actual writing and storyline.
It is undeniable that Venus in Furs has a massive impact on society, especially considering the time period it was released. Songs, lipstick shades, books, movies have been named after or have mentioned Venus in Furs. Considered to be one of the first books of its time where a women was in power, especially sexually, this novella was considered radical and explicit. A man submitting to a women was unheard of. But we still live in a society where gender roles are still in place and we may see ourselves as more accepting but are we truly?
Sacher-Masoch’s writing style was almost lyrical but i did feel like i was reading and unfinished draft. The referencing to historical moments, mythology and art was entertaining. I found myself doing more research articles then actually reading the books. The idea of power corrupting people wasn’t a new topic but this story definitely the first to discuss it using this dynamic.
All in all a very interesting read. I don’t think it’s for everyone, it definitely wasn’t for me when i first read it (at times i found myself reading it as a comedy) but it’s good to explore genres you may not always read. How else are we meant to grow, learn and be more accepting.
I do think that my rating for this text has more to do with the impact of the story on society rather than the actual writing and storyline.