Nine and a Half Weeks by Elizabeth McNeill (1978-08-01)

An exceptionally compelling journey into a relationship involving total power exchange . Well written , candid , and highly erotic .

I bought this at a supermarket years ago--surprising for the content inside. I remembered it as very, very sexy but when I read it again, there was nothing graphic about the nonetheless powerful sexuality; even more of an achievement. The "love affair" eventually bounces up against the submissive author's limits. What happens after that makes me think the book is true, as she claims. I certainly hope 2 people experienced these adventures and I only hope to do as well in my life!

There was a film released in the 80's of the same name. Without doing any research, one could take a wild guess and say that it was very, very loosely based on this book - except the film completely misrepresents what this book is about.So what is this book about? An unnamed woman meets an unnamed man in New York in the 70's. She becomes completely enthralled by him. The relationship (which lasts nine and a half weeks, hence the title) is very different from any she has experienced before. She relates the story in a detached manner, neither sensationalising nor downplaying any particular parts of it.It occurs to her at some point that she is a slave in a BDSM relationship. She states that she had read The Story of O when she was younger but never envisioned that any of it might be appealing to her.There are the insightful comments into the life of a slave, such as: "I was flooded by an overwhelming sense of relief at being unburdened of adulthood" and "I've gone beyond my limits", which makes one wonder whether this is fact or fiction.Fact, fiction, fantasy--who cares--this is a truly riveting read and extremely well done, although at times it can be somewhat disturbing. One that stays in the memory long after turning the last page.

I want to start by qualifying the above mentioned one line review - I understand the depth and seriousness of this situation and would never encourage anyone to enter this type of relationship - however, once I bagan the book, I read it straight thru. I think the second most intoxicating book/books I have read are the Vampire Chronicles - Book I and Book II. Anyway...back to the subject at hand.The first time I read this book I was in my mid-twenties and now I am 41. I once loaned this book out never to have it returned to me. Now I am desparately in search of a copy.I loved it so - the depth of her needs - her submissiveness which nearly killed her is to me extremely intriguing. As I enter a relationship with whispers of the same senario - I find I must read it again to see if there are the warning signs I so dread.For anyone who is interested in intense literature and can handle the sexual aspects of it - I feel it is a must read.It will turn you on, turn you inside out, it will make you angry, make you sick, shock you and it will make you cry.If you can find it, read it.

9 1/2 weeks provided me an insight to a world that intrigues me yet where i am most certain i shall never go. The story is one of love and control. Control of her. Her every being is manipulated by him. For 9 1/2 weeks their affair is in tact. I believe the story to be very loving yet at times almost horrifically violent. Very unlike the movie. The book will give you insight to why things happen in the movie. As well as let you see tiny things inside you that you probably never thought were there. I do highly recommend this book especially if you enjoy a BDSM lifestyle(although it may be tame for you). If you have ever been in a controling relationship....lol.... it makes you see that it wasnt that bad. lol Please read the book and enjoy all it has to offer!!