The Confessions of Wanda von Sacher-Masoch (Re/Search Classics) [Paperback]

Wanda Von Sacher-Masoch (Author)

Book Description

Series: Re/Search Classics | Publication Date: January 1, 1990

Autobiography. Finally available in English: the racy and riveting CONFESSIONS OF WANDA VON SACHER-MASOCH -- married for ten years to Leopold von Sacher-Masoch (author of VENUS IN FURS and many other novels) whose whip-and-fur bedroom games spawned the term masochism. Originally published in French in 1907, this narrative of an idealistic, sensitive woman embroiled in a net of sexual peril, betrayl and deceit is well ahead of its time.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)

From the Back Cover

Finally available in English: the racy and riveting Confessions of Wanda von Sacher-Masoch--married for ten years to Leopold von Sacher-Masoch (author of Venus in Furs and many other novels) whose whip-and-fur bedroom games spawned the term "masochism." Originally published in French in 1907, this narrative of an idealistic, sensitive woman embroiled in a net of sexual peril, betrayal, and deceit is well ahead of its time.

A feminist classic, this is the story of a woman living in an era when dependence on the husband could force one to face literal starvation and poverty. Blackmailed by Leopold, who insisted that he could not write and earn their living unless she "cooperated," she was forced to play "sadistic" roles in his exotic sexual fantasies to ensure the survival of herself and her three children--games which called into serious question who was the Master and who was the Slave. Besides being a compelling study of a woman's search for her own identity, strength and, ultimately, complete independence, this is a true-life adventure story--an odyssey through many lands people by amazing characters, ranging from the famous (Ludwig II;:Liszt) to the unsung great (the totally fearless adventuress-skeptic Catherine Strebinger). Underneath its unforgettable poetic imagery and almost unbearable emotional cataclysms reighns a woman's consistent unblinking investigation of the limits of morality and the deepest meaning of love.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 126 pages
• Publisher: RE/Search Publications; Rev Exp Su edition (January 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0940642239
• ISBN-13: 978-0940642232
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #984,654 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great insight into sado-masochistic relational dynamics, March 23, 2008

By 

Night Owl (Boston, Mass.) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Confessions of Wanda von Sacher-Masoch (Re/Search Classics) (Paperback)

This is a fascinating read (I devoured it in 2 days) about some murky corners of human nature. Every woman who is in a relationship with an abusive, perverted, manipulative partner should read this book to see where such things may lead -- what a big toll they take; what a nonsensical journey it is (and how harmful to children of such couples).

Of course, at the time when the events described in that book took place (2nd half of the 19th cent.), women were more dependent on men for survival, especially when children were involved, but you can nevertheless imagine someone being in an identical situation today.

I really loved the personal, biographical tone of this book, and the quaint picture of life in 19th cent. Europe that it brings to life. It left me hungry to learn more about the writer -- how and where she eventually died, what happened to her son, if she left any other personal papers -- but a google search was disappointing.

The reason I have not given this book 5 stars is because the quality of translation is embarrassingly poor. Also, the book has been published in a very sloppy, amateurish way. There is a complete absence of professional editorial care; there are no explanations of obscure, historic names; the illustrations are ridiculous (silly, contrived and contorted images where readers would have enjoyed some relevant old photos of people and places mentioned in the book).

But in spite of all that, I'm glad this book was made available in English. It would be good if it was republished as a part of a well-researched and properly illustrated monography.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Financial Bonds, September 24, 2009

By 

Elizabeth Smith (Portland, Maine) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Confessions of Wanda von Sacher-Masoch (Re/Search Classics) (Paperback)

It is interesting to realize what an ineffectual,fop her husband really was.Just because he was male he could play games to tittilate himself without much regard for his partner,a lowly woman.

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars insight to one of history's sex legends, August 4, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Confessions of Wanda von Sacher-Masoch (Re/Search Classics) (Paperback)

high quality paperback. this book offers insight into the legend of Von Sacher-Masoch, his life and times thru the eyes of his wife who made it all possible. billed as a feminist classic- this story is a prime example of what a woman will do for love and survival. A good read. Not what you would expect. Read this book.