Emmanuelle

While some might find the frankness of the book's text shocking, Emmanuelle Arsan's infamous bestseller is rich in imagery and detail which still resonates brightly so many years after its initial publication. The story concerns a young Parisian who flies to Bangkok to join her diplomat husband. In a marriage which in the strictest sense might be termed "open," Emmanuelle struggles to conform to what she believes are her husband's wishes. She becomes entranced by an older man named Mario, whom she believes can teach her the "Secrets of Eros," and help her to become what she terms a "real woman." The real star of the book, however, is not the story, but the period philosophy which is so oft found throughout the book, and especially in the chapter "The Law." Love "scenes" are frequent, but are told with such subtle beauty and grace, that they never become unpleasant or gratuitous. "Emmanuelle" is without a doubt a classic of the genre.