These days I think the book is really problematic – the way that both of the characters “grow out” of their kink as soon as they discover “true love” – but it was totally eye-opening for me, and very valuable. I loved all the backstory into their childhoods, the way she challenges the myth of the “route”: that every kinky person must have some reason or trigger for being abnormal. I loved the emphasis on adult agency and consent. And the On The Road scenes with the butter and cinnamon, and the barbeque shrimp, and fucking on a pile of hand-made quilts in the back of the car – those were memorable and beautiful even if they could have contained way more kink.

The book was very good and I’ve read it about three or four times. To me, it really pinpointed a lot of the reasons why we do what we do. I think this is the only S/m novel Anne Rice wrote that had a modern setting, am I correct here?

Now I’m hesitant to watch the whole movie, for fear of learning things about myself that would make life more complicated.

This made me think of something that happened when I was about 19-20. I had a typical first job and one of my friends was a woman about 30 who I had a crush on. Typical teenager, I had trouble showing up for work on time. One day I am walking out with Pat and I mentioned that I was having trouble getting to work on time. She smiled and said that I needed to get spanked. I got embarrassed and said “who would do it?”. She laughed and said Jeanie should, she’s your boss. I didn’t know what to say. The fact of the matter is Jeanie was a nice looking woman and I already had that fantasy. The plant being open 8-5 to she could have spanked me in her office after everyone left.

I didn’t say anything and I am still sorry I didn’t say “your right she should”. They were good friends and it would have gotten back to her. Maybe I could have gotten it in front of Pat

Don’t watch an old movie you used to like unless it has something new on it.

I would not say that Exit to Eden was a bad film. It was not a great film, wasn’t as bad as the critics said it was. The BDSM aspect was supposed to be just backdrop for a murder mystery/suspense. The actors, however, rose above the material.

I would read the book as well, as it was a good book and much better than the movie.

As krampus said so eloquently, if it means something to you then it’s important to you. Embrace it.

Adieu and much happiness to you,

Chevaliersg

I don’t know if I ever saw the movie, but I really enjoyed the book.

Hugs,
Hermione

Next time I watch that scene, it will be on mute so I don’t get distracted by the questionable acting.