Exit to Eden [Anglais] [Broché]

Exit to Eden has a serious tone, even a dark one - but it's an incredible, mind-blowing exploration of not only the erotica but of the psychology of B&D.

I mostly agree with njbookworm's review of Exit to Eden from 2001, with only a couple of exceptions. Note that Exit to Eden and the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy are not about Sadomasochism (S&M) - they're about Bondage & Domination (B&D). BIG difference. Look up "Bondage & Domination" in Wikipedia. An oversimplification of the difference is in the degree of pain inflicted/received, and the underlying mindsets of the Sadist/Masochist vs. the Dominator/Submissive.

I especially agree with njbookworm that if you have not read any of Anne Rice/Rampling's books, don't start with this one. I personally prefer her Mayfair Witches books to the Vampire LeStat ones.

I also disagree with njbookworm's comment that Anne's descriptions of the day-to-day workings of the Island and Lisa's responsibilities thereto are distracting. I found that those details didn't affect my suspension of disbelief, unlike njbookworm who was distracted by the legalities and even the possibility that a private island could exist solely for the purpose of a B&D resort. (Although to be fair, perhaps in the late 90s those were hard to believe.) But without those details and the resulting depth of Mistress Lisa's character, Exit to Eden would simply be a run-of-the-mill bodice-ripper - albeit a dark, intense, and "kinky" one for the those unfamiliar with B&D.

In fact, I've found Anne's character development to be arguably the most important aspect of her talent. That, coupled with her talent for suspension of disbelief I can easily *become* the protagonist in her books, male or female.

The "Fifty Shades of Grey" trilogy, however, is much more lighthearted in its tone, similar to Anne's "Beauty" trilogy (which truly are "kinky" bodice-rippers, though almost poetic in nature). Like Anne Rice, Ms. James has a flair for character development - provided you're reading at approximately an 8th grade level as does the average reader. No insult intended.

Fifty Shades is told in the first person, also from the perspective of a young, naive virgin whose first lover is a Dominator. I love the internal dialogue the main character carries on with herself. A much lighter read, Fifty Shades mostly leaves out the psychological aspect of initiation to B&D. The trilogy is most definitely erotic and a good read, but I prefer the more intellectual (dare I say literary?) tone of Exit to Eden.

In summary, compared to Fifty Shades I found Exit to Eden to be by far the better book - provided you're open-minded and prefer more depth to the characters in your erotica. I give this one 8 out of 5 stars!

When I picked up this book and scanned the back I caught that it was a sex club and a romance type book. I am not into S&M at all and at first I was nervous to enter into that world. But I really loved this book and have read it multiple times. Some one said it is a romance novel for people who dont like romance novels and I totally agree with that. Nothing felt cheesey, it felt heart felt and honest in its characters. Its not too hard core. If your looking for that, look elsewhere. Its just an exciting story that basically says love can find you anywhere. I am a very satisfied reader. Thank Anne.

I have read quite a bit of Anne Rice/Anne Rampling before. This book marks both a departure from her thougtful, sexy horror fiction (e.g. "Lestat," "Inverview with a Vampire," "Mummy") and her fantasy-themed, erotic Beauty series (e.g. "The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty"). It kind of falls in between.

The book examines the relationship between an intelligent, conflicted, strong proprietor of a S&M-themed island (Female) and a passionate, creative photographer (Male). (As you may have already guessed, this is not a book for those with conservative sensibilities!)

The relationship/chemistry between the main characters is interesting, believable, and sexy. Rice makes you feel as if you know each of them -- and are in the same room with them. You feel their passion and understand their internal struggles.

My less-than-stellar rating speaks to the book as a whole -- the story arc, in particular.

"Exit to Eden" reads like two books:

Book 1: An interesting love story about a couple who's erotic pursuits help them tap into their feelings about each other, relationships (in general), and power.

Book 2: A story detailing the maintenance and baggage associated with being the proprietor of a S&M resort. (Think: "Fantasy Island" with velvet-covered handcuffs.)

Also, because Rice chose to set it in modern times, you have to have a *major* suspension of disbelief. You must believe that an island like this is legal, feasable, profitable, & enjoyable. I had a difficult time doing this.

Summary: If you enjoy Rice's books and are looking for a departure from her typical themes, read this.

However, if you're a person who would like to read your first Rice book, don't choose this one. I think you'll be disappointed.