I wish I could say I enjoyed this book. Sadly, I did not. Although I do not know too much about the world of S&M, this book did nothing to educated me. I am no prude, but I could not fathom any reason why someone would enjoy the kind of behavior described in the book. If you like being tortured, go commit a crime in a third world county and then tell me how much you like being tortured. I was sickened by Sir Stephen and his attitude towards O as his property. Did he not see her as a human being? as a person with feelings? But at the same time, I kept wondering why she would choose to be a slave and consentenly be tortured. The author tells you what is happening, but does not tell you why. I wouldn't recommend anyone waste their money on this garbage.