Customer Reviews

Incest (Hesperus Classics)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For artfulness alone, and pure freedom, or should I say boldness, of thought, the Marquis De Sade earns five stars for this work and everything else he's written (except of course "Oxtiern," which is, admittedly, dreadful). In this age of hum-drum prose, hacks, and politically-correct morons, Sade's works serve as much needed escapism. As for the below criticism, that Sade is overrated because he doesn't describe graphic sex--a comment like that only means its author hasn't read "120 Days of Sodom," or "Justine," or "Juliette"--whose lewdness would make even the devil blush.

Originally published in English by Bantam Books in 1964 in The Crimes of Love book as Eugenie de Franval. This short story describes how one amoral man's plan to create the perfectly libertine daughter ends in disaster.
As one of de Sade's earlier works, it has the typical Justine character in Madame Franval. Pious, loving her indifferent husband without question, and in all manners virtuous. The proto-Juliette figure is seen in Eugenie, raised to spurn religion, laugh at social customs, and to embrace vices. The third primary character is Eugenie's father, de Franval. It could be inferred that this character is portraying de Sade, trying to create the perfect woman, but failing in the end.
Unlike the 1000 page plus tomes of Juliette and Justine, this story does enable the reader to get the gist of de Sade's sophistry in a page or two, rather than the normal 10 page single character dissertations found in other writings.
Overall, a good introduction to de Sade, without the descriptive sexual escapades he is famous for, in fact a made for TV movie could be made without any editing due to content. If you are interested in this book, I would recommend purchasing the aforementioned "Crimes of Love."

This is one of Sade's most well executed works. At its best his prose captures above all the heavy inevitability of real life. As in our lives, there are no miracles, no surprise rescues... only the unavoidable consequences of our actions. INCEST captures that reality and much more. In a way this is an especially philosophical work which very accurately portrays the power-dynamic between parent and child, and the relationship between man and local moral code. There is a spareness to Sade's writing here that will refresh those easily bored by the longwinded philosophical diatribes of works such as JUSTINE and JULIETTE. INCEST is a short quick-moving tale with all elements perfectly placed. A must-read for any fans of the Marquis.

This is one of my favorite pieces DeSade ever produced. If you want to understand sexual deviancy and paraphilias, you must take a lesson from the master himself. Highly recommended.

This book is great. It doesn't have the same overt filth that is so common in DeSade's books, though it has some. It is really great though. Not to be missed.

A highly censored/editted version. Good for those interested in the Marquis's work that don't have the stomach for his usual graphic descriptions.

No one I know has ever praised the Marquis de Sade's unique style, so I didn't expect a pile of prose outlining a beautiful love story which just happens to involve a father and daughter. If you wish to read this book, it's best to go in with an open mind and an idea of the subject. This book explores the ideas behind incest and what it does to corrupt the parties involved. Be prepared for deep thought and disgust.

The story moves quickly, making it easy to read. The dialogue is interesting, and the characters believable, at least until the end. I'm no fan of "deus ex machina," and this is no exception. Belief is suspended when the villain of the book suddenly decides he's done enough harm to his family and the story ends.

For a cultural experience, an excellent read. As a life-enriching novel, easily skipped. Read a crime-drama novel instead.

DeSade never actually describes any of the sex acts which I found disappointing. Maybe what were are exposed to today, regarding sex, it wasen't that shocking. I think a lot of people forget that DeSade was from the upper class and never worked a day in his life. So he felt he could look down on the lower class and woman and tell everyone what was wrong with them. Also, from reading his books that he has a deep hatred for woman and men, which I suppose stems from his mother leaving him with his perverted uncle who allegedly molested him when he was a young boy. I expected more.