Title: Les Liaisons Dangereuses
Author: Pierre Choderlos de Laclos
First published March 24, 1782
400 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780140441161 (ISBN10: 0140441166)
Rating: 4.06
Overview
A captivating tale unfolds through letters exchanged between two conniving aristocrats as they set out to manipulate and corrupt a naive young woman. The 18th-century world of Les Liaisons Dangereuses is one of decadence and deceit, where power and pleasure reign supreme.
As the plot thickens, the characters’ true intentions are revealed, leading to a shocking climax that will leave readers breathless. Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ masterpiece is a timeless classic that delves into the darker side of human nature and the consequences of playing with fire.
About the Author
Pierre Ambroise François Choderlos de Laclos, a notable French novelist, official, and army general, is famous for his epistolary novel Les Liaisons dangereuses. He was considered to be a scandalous writer, similar to the Marquis de Sade or Nicolas-Edme Rétif.
As a military officer, he had a realistic view of human relationships and was an amateur writer. However, he aimed to create a work that would be extraordinary, memorable, and widely recognized even after his death.
He succeeded in this regard with Les Liaisons dangereuses, which is regarded as a masterpiece of 18th-century novelistic literature. The novel delves into the intricate love affairs of the aristocracy and has inspired numerous critical analyses, plays, and films.
Editoral Review
Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos is a classic novel that was first published on March 24, 1782. The book is set in Paris during the 18th century and explores the themes of love, seduction, and betrayal.
Pierre Choderlos de Laclos was a French novelist, army general, and diplomat who wrote this novel during the French Revolution.
The novel is written in the epistolary form, which was popular during the 18th century. The story is told through a series of letters exchanged between the main characters, Marquise de Merteuil and Vicomte de Valmont.
The novel is known for its intricate plot, complex characters, and psychological insights.
The novel takes place in the salons and boudoirs of the French aristocracy. The main characters, Marquise de Merteuil and Vicomte de Valmont, are former lovers who engage in a game of seduction and manipulation.
They make a bet to seduce two virtuous women, Madame de Tourvel and Cécile de Volanges. However, their plans are complicated by their own emotions and the consequences of their actions.
The characters in the book are well-developed and the writing is superb. The author skillfully weaves together the themes of love, seduction, betrayal, and revenge.
The pacing of the novel is slow, but it builds up to a climactic ending. The novel is also significant because it offers a glimpse into the decadent lifestyle of the French aristocracy during the 18th century.
One of the strengths of the book is its exploration of the psychology of the characters. The author delves deeply into the motivations of the characters and their innermost thoughts and feelings.
This makes the characters feel real and relatable. The author also does an excellent job of creating a sense of tension and suspense throughout the novel.
However, the book does have some flaws. The pacing of the novel is slow at times, and some readers may find it difficult to stay engaged.
Additionally, some of the characters may be difficult to sympathize with, given their immoral behavior.
Overall, Les Liaisons Dangereuses is a beautifully written novel that offers a fascinating glimpse into the decadent lifestyle of the French aristocracy during the 18th century. The book is well worth reading for anyone interested in literature, history, or psychology.
It is a classic novel that has stood the test of time and continues to be relevant today. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-written, thought-provoking novel.
Rating: 4.5/5
