The 120 Days Of Sodom

by Marquis de Sade
The 120 Days Of Sodom cover
Good Books rating 2.83
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Waterstones
Paperback • £16.99
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  • ID: 7886
  • Added: 2025-12-18
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Reddit - r/literature · 2025-12-18
intriguing 3.00

The novel is described as a depiction of an orgy of absolute loneliness featuring four libertines, highlighting its dark and isolated themes.

In this Reddit discussion, users explore the themes of 'The 120 Days of Sodom,' describing it as a dark and isolated exploration of human desires and perversions. The conversation touches on the book's depiction of an orgy of absolute loneliness, emphasizing the psychological and emotional isolation of the characters. Participants in the discussion acknowledge the book's challenging content and its enduring impact on literature and society. The overall sentiment is one of intrigue and fascination with the book's dark themes.

Quick quotes

    The Sade's novel is a description of an orgy of absolute loneliness

    It essentially is a sexual intercourse of them with themselves

    The four libertines are locked in a castle, isolated from the world

Five Books · 2025-12-18
disturbing 2.00

The book is described as unreadable in multiple senses, both due to its challenging content and its disturbing nature.

The reviewer from Five Books describes 'The 120 Days of Sodom' as a deeply unsettling and difficult read. They mention that the book is unreadable in the sense that it is hard to get through due to its graphic and disturbing content. The reviewer also notes that the book is upsetting to read, making it a challenging experience for any reader. Despite its difficulties, the reviewer acknowledges the book's historical and literary significance.

Quick quotes

    The 120 Days is essentially unreadable in every possible way

    Unreadable in the sense that it's hard to read

    Unreadable in the sense that it's upsetting to read

The Guardian · 2016-10-07
notorious 3.50

The book is described as one of the most sexually violent ever written, and its recent publication by Penguin is noted. The article explores its historical context and impact.

The Guardian piece delves into the notorious reputation of 'The 120 Days of Sodom,' highlighting its extreme content and the controversy it has sparked over the centuries. The article discusses how the book was once banned in Britain and its recent publication by Penguin Classics, which has brought it back into the public eye. The review also touches on the historical context of the book and its enduring impact on literature and society. The author of the piece seems to acknowledge the book's significance while also recognizing its challenging nature.

Quick quotes

    The most impure tale ever written

    It was once reviled as one of the most sexually violent books ever written

    Now it is a Penguin Classic

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