The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty
by Anne Rice
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Book Reviews of The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty
Book Review: A corruption of kid's version? Find a real reason to object
Summary: 5 Stars
First of all, I would like that in the original versions of Sleeping Beauty, she is NOT woken up with a kiss. She is woken up by the taking of her virginity. People who are complaining that we are corrupting a "children's fairy tale" have obviously never read any of the real Grimm's fairy tales, or any other source trying to show the real versions. The children's version of this fairy tale is the one that was corrupted. Anything sexual was taken out of it so it wouldn't corrupt children. Anne Rice's version of Sleeping Beauty was one of the first versions of Sleeping Beauty that I was exposed toother than Disney's (still one of my favorite movies, but it is not true to the story) or the ones in children's books of bedtime stories. I think she did a magnificent job of presenting a new version of the story. I read the entire trilogy with a group of friends...one person would buy it,then we would trade it around as people finished reading it, and we'd talk about the stories later. We all found it very entertaining and very well-written. I'd give it a million stars if I could (perhaps I should just take some of those that the one-stars refused to give it and add them to mine)Book Review: I didn't see the sex everyone else says is in there
Summary: 3 Stars
Ummm, maybe I got some altered copy of the book...really, everyone claims there is just sooooo much sex in this novel, but when you get down to it, not a whole lot of sex happens. Yes, the prince does awaken Beauty with more than a kiss, and yes, that is as early as page two of the novel, however, if you really notice it, the majority of the acts described are not sexual, but more along the lines of physical torture, domination, and submission. They just seem sexual as the slaves are all naked. I found the lack of sex in the book more disturbing than anything else. The book seemed more like a description of boot camp (breaking you down to build you back up) than anything even remotely sexual. To those offended by the notion of women being servants, one must also consider what time period is represented in the story. Ann Rice may have written this is post-NOW, post-Gloria Steinem America, but it is neither this century or this country in which the story is set. Ironically, I like how this fairy tale is not all about "and they lived happily ever after". It is when little girls' heads get filled with that bogus line the REAL disappointment happens!
Book Review: Very Romantic for an S&M Kink-Based Book
Summary: 4 Stars
I love the fact that so many reviews here give this book 1 star. That alone tells you all you need to know. This stuff either works for you, in which case this book, though not Story of O, will give you a jolly ride. Or it doesn't work for you and you have no need to read the other two volumes.
Most interesting to me, and the source, no doubt, of many of the 1 star reviews, is the sexual equality of the victims of this piece. Boys and Girls are both victims/slaves/submissives to Men/Women/Both, and a jolly sometimes excruciating time is had by all. If you aren't into S&M Power Exchange sexuality andyou are a straight male this book will probably scare you quite a bit.
As far as the writing goes, it is typical Anne Rice slightly overwritten lush stuff with plenty of (sexual) action and soulful commentary. Sometimes she is just really good, and sometimes she is just silly. So contradictory, Herself. Year before last she was pushing John Kerry and the Passion of the Christ in the same letter to her fans. And same-sex marriage too. Really, I'd love to know how much homophobia is behind all th ese one star reviews. Wouldn't you?
Book Review: Enough with the spankings already!!
Summary: 2 Stars
I have read a great deal of Anne Rice over the years, but in no way was I prepared for her Sleeping Beauty series! As in all of Rice's works, the language was intelligent and wonderfully descriptive, but unlike others... the storyline was a little dull.
I have always loved fairy tale retellings, so I was anxious to see what Rice would do with it.... I found out rather quickly that the story had very little to do with the fairytale and mostly just focused on the setting. Even the main characters (aside from the Prince and Beauty) were pretty far removed from any fairytale rendition, not to mention pretty one dimensional.
I also found that Rice spent a lot of time with the spanking, and I wonder if she took anytime at all to research BDSM to find other more interesting activities associated with it.... I mean, if you are planning on writing an entire book where that is the norm, shouldn't you be a little more up to speed on what other things that entails???
Although I am fairly open minded about my reading choices, this book included just a little too much shock and not enough substance for me.
Book Review: Erotic it is NOT
Summary: 1 Stars
This is perhaps the least erotic bit or erotica I have ever encountered. It is neither titlating nor satisfying at any point along its tedious way. It bills itself as an erotic take on the Sleeping Beauty legend--a concept I find valid and rather interesting. However, after the Prince enters the castle, and shortly thereafter, Beauty (yes, he "takes" her while she's unconscious--charming!) it has NOTHING to do with the fairy tale. It never agian even visits the traditional story. The characters are all repulsive, deranged and drearily stupid. And, as though that weren't enough, the writing clunks and thunks awkwardly about. Frankly, the style is downright stinky. I am a devotee of the well-crafted sex scene. Unfortunately, there is not even one here--odd for erotica, wouldn't you say? In fact, unless you're heavy into S&M and degradation, there's NOTHING for you in this book. Certainly there's no character development and the plot exists merely as a vehicle for the next spanking, penetration and badly described thrusting fest. UGH!
Do yourself a favor; put this book out of your mind forever.