The Story of O

Book excerpt: The Story of O is an erotic novel about love, dominance and submission by French author Anne Desclos under the pen name Pauline Reage. Published in French by Jean-Jacques Pauvert, Story of O is a tale of female submission about a beautiful Parisian fashion photographer, O, who is blindfolded, chained, whipped, branded, pierced, made to wear a mask, and taught to be constantly available for oral, vaginal, and anal intercourse. Despite her harsh treatment, O grants permission beforehand for everything that occurs, and her permission is consistently sought. At the beginning of the story, O's lover, Rene, brings her to the chateau of Roissy, where she is trained to serve the men of an elite group. After this first period of training is finished, as a demonstration of their bond and his generosity, Rene hands O to Sir Stephen, a more dominant master. Rene wants O to learn to serve someone whom she does not love, and someone who does not love her."