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Belladonna: A Novel of Revenge
Book by Karen Moline
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
September 16, 2011
Isabella Ariel Nickerson is kidnapped and auctioned for 1 million pounds in 1930s England. She finds herself the unwilling play thing of a club of men who get their kicks out of forcing sexual tortures on women. Isabella is actually purchased by a man she knows only as "His Lordship", a man she will dedicate the rest of her life to finding and destroying once she escapes her hell.
The story is narrated by a man named Tomasino, one of the few men that Belladonna truly trusts (along with his twin Matteo). They were castrated in the war, and therefore, Belladonna doesn't see them as a threat. Belladonna finds herself the heir of a large fortune, and she dedicates her money and time to Club Belladonna, a popular club, where she hopes to lure one of the members into her club. One member is all it will take to find the rest.
I went into this expecting that I wouldn't like it, and honestly, the very beginning, the chapter before the actual story of Belladonna begins, was quite dull. It had that same rambling, verbose, tedious style as Middlesex did in the beginning, which sort of throws me off for a second because I like to get immediately sucked into a book. After that first chapter though, I was thoroughly engrossed with Belladonna's story.
Tomasino is a witty narrator. He loves to talk. He loves to gloat. He loves to be right. Honestly, I'm glad he was the one telling the story. It gives it a flair that I think would be missing if Belladonna, or even his brother Matteo, told the story. Belladonna's diary is also scattered throughout the book--the diary she kept while she was imprisoned. The diary format was an interesting one as well, as it was written in third person rather than first, showing how Belladonna detached herself to survive her ordeal.
I think the concept of revenge appealed to me, as it would many people. How many people get the chance to get their revenge against someone who wrongs them? Many of us have wanted to, but we've never had the satisfaction of doing so. Sure, Belladonna's methods seem a little out there, but wouldn't we all go to great lengths, if we could, to get payback? You can't help but root for Belladonna.
So, while this book seems a little extreme, it is a good novel. I wasn't too satisfied with the ending. It seemed a little rushed, a real let down to the climatic events that were taking place before it. Still well worth the read.
The story is narrated by a man named Tomasino, one of the few men that Belladonna truly trusts (along with his twin Matteo). They were castrated in the war, and therefore, Belladonna doesn't see them as a threat. Belladonna finds herself the heir of a large fortune, and she dedicates her money and time to Club Belladonna, a popular club, where she hopes to lure one of the members into her club. One member is all it will take to find the rest.
I went into this expecting that I wouldn't like it, and honestly, the very beginning, the chapter before the actual story of Belladonna begins, was quite dull. It had that same rambling, verbose, tedious style as Middlesex did in the beginning, which sort of throws me off for a second because I like to get immediately sucked into a book. After that first chapter though, I was thoroughly engrossed with Belladonna's story.
Tomasino is a witty narrator. He loves to talk. He loves to gloat. He loves to be right. Honestly, I'm glad he was the one telling the story. It gives it a flair that I think would be missing if Belladonna, or even his brother Matteo, told the story. Belladonna's diary is also scattered throughout the book--the diary she kept while she was imprisoned. The diary format was an interesting one as well, as it was written in third person rather than first, showing how Belladonna detached herself to survive her ordeal.
I think the concept of revenge appealed to me, as it would many people. How many people get the chance to get their revenge against someone who wrongs them? Many of us have wanted to, but we've never had the satisfaction of doing so. Sure, Belladonna's methods seem a little out there, but wouldn't we all go to great lengths, if we could, to get payback? You can't help but root for Belladonna.
So, while this book seems a little extreme, it is a good novel. I wasn't too satisfied with the ending. It seemed a little rushed, a real let down to the climatic events that were taking place before it. Still well worth the read.
March 10, 2012
I first picked up this book as a teenager. I was heavily into romance at the time and boy was I in for a surprise.
This book has become my favorite novel by far. It's dark, it's seductive and just plain fun. I love the entire escapade of the Club Belladonna. In fact, as an artist, I've depicted many scenes from the themes nights in my illustrations.
This book really takes you into another world. I think I just might read it again for the hell of it.
This book has become my favorite novel by far. It's dark, it's seductive and just plain fun. I love the entire escapade of the Club Belladonna. In fact, as an artist, I've depicted many scenes from the themes nights in my illustrations.
This book really takes you into another world. I think I just might read it again for the hell of it.
August 14, 2009
The Story of O as written by Kathy Griffin and serialized in InTouch Weekly.
December 16, 2018
Mesmerizing and disturbing, this is the tale of Belladonna, who only wants revenge for having been destroyed by a Club of men who bid for her use.
Graphic in some of its content, but yet sad, the story still is remembered after all this time.
Rooting for the 'family' that Belladonna creates after escaping her captivity as well as her dark desire for revenge is a theme anyone may understand.
Graphic in some of its content, but yet sad, the story still is remembered after all this time.
Rooting for the 'family' that Belladonna creates after escaping her captivity as well as her dark desire for revenge is a theme anyone may understand.
July 5, 2022
One of my favorite books. There's tragedy and escape and revenge and triumph and even sadness. This tale will take you for an unbelievable ride. Superbly written. Highly recommended
August 25, 2015
When a book is referred to as a trashy, female protagonist Count of Monte Cristo story, I'm going to buy it. Luckily this was purchased on a whim very cheaply at my local used book store for a dollar so no real harm done. What all the encouraging blurbs and praise on the cover fail to reveal is that the entire story is being told in the most round about way possible by a eunuch and not Belladonna herself. And when I say round about way, I mean he is possibly the most boring narrator ever, wasting whole chapters going on tangents that tell you nothing and skipping back and forth in time so that you never get pulled into the story or any comfortable continuity.
It doesn't help that *SPOILER ALERT* Belladonna ends up as a boring, submissive housewife instead of ending on an independent, unrepentant bad-ass note as a revenge story should. The idea that a happy ending for a female protagonist has to be marriage and a baby is so disappointingly cookie cutter. I don't mind these kinds of HEAs in romance but every now and again I would like to read about a woman who is against the mold. I had hoped this would be a bit more edgy.
For a real female vigilante story I recommend Kathryn Harvey's "Butterfly" instead. It has some trashy, cheesy elements but the revenge story is much more ruthless and calculating. The female protagonist in that one is literally so badass and chill that I half-expected her to walk away from an explosion without looking back.
It doesn't help that *SPOILER ALERT* Belladonna ends up as a boring, submissive housewife instead of ending on an independent, unrepentant bad-ass note as a revenge story should. The idea that a happy ending for a female protagonist has to be marriage and a baby is so disappointingly cookie cutter. I don't mind these kinds of HEAs in romance but every now and again I would like to read about a woman who is against the mold. I had hoped this would be a bit more edgy.
For a real female vigilante story I recommend Kathryn Harvey's "Butterfly" instead. It has some trashy, cheesy elements but the revenge story is much more ruthless and calculating. The female protagonist in that one is literally so badass and chill that I half-expected her to walk away from an explosion without looking back.
April 26, 2009
In 1935, His Lordship "purchased" 18-year-old Isabella Ariel Nickerson for one $1 million in an auction for members of an exclusive club of rich Britons eager to satisfy their sexual appetites. Isabella's transformation into Belladonna after more than ten years of degradation is fueled by a desire to find and punish the club members, who had always worn masks and used code names. Her quest for revenge is told by Tomasino, who with his twin brother had helped her and her baby daughter escape from this nightmare. Castrated for participating in the Italian Resistance during World War II, the twins were also prisoners of His Lordship. Tomasino's narrative includes flashbacks and excerpts from Belladonna's diaries.
I think the concept of revenge appealed to me, as it would many people. How many people get the chance to get their revenge against someone who wrongs them? Many of us have wanted to, but we've never had the satisfaction of doing so.
I wasn't too satisfied with the ending. It seemed a little rushed, a real let down to the climatic events that were taking place before it. On the whole, the novel's quite trite and unconvincing. Neither grim enough to compel nor gaudy enough to entertain.
Book Details:
Title Belladonna: A Novel of Revenge
Author Karen Moline
Reviewed By Purplycookie
I think the concept of revenge appealed to me, as it would many people. How many people get the chance to get their revenge against someone who wrongs them? Many of us have wanted to, but we've never had the satisfaction of doing so.
I wasn't too satisfied with the ending. It seemed a little rushed, a real let down to the climatic events that were taking place before it. On the whole, the novel's quite trite and unconvincing. Neither grim enough to compel nor gaudy enough to entertain.
Book Details:
Title Belladonna: A Novel of Revenge
Author Karen Moline
Reviewed By Purplycookie
August 21, 2011
This book is like a guilty pleasure, it's true. At first, I thought it was going to be some contrite novel about some woman and her revenge, but surprisingly, the book was more than that.
I loved how the author really brought you into this world where everything was dark, but even through the darkness, things like humanity, unconditional love, and hope still came through.
This story about a woman's journey to hell and back and the people who came along with her was mesmerising.
I absolutely loved the time in the book when the character was "Belladonna" in New York. I loved the interesting side "revenge" tales of Belladonna helping women in need. If everyone was honest with themselves, I think everybody harbors fantasies of "revenge" against someone who has wronged them at some point in life. But, the way Belladonna gets her revenge is witty and smart.
A disclaimer about this book, there is a graphic part of the novel describing how "Belladonna" took her descent into hell. But, I think it was necessary, so the reader could truly see how the human pysche can be tortured and led to do things one would never do in normal circumstances.
This is an easy read, but a very long read! Even speed reading, it took me longer than I thought, but it was fascinating to read.
After this book, I'm not sure I ever want to let me daughters out of my sight!
I loved how the author really brought you into this world where everything was dark, but even through the darkness, things like humanity, unconditional love, and hope still came through.
This story about a woman's journey to hell and back and the people who came along with her was mesmerising.
I absolutely loved the time in the book when the character was "Belladonna" in New York. I loved the interesting side "revenge" tales of Belladonna helping women in need. If everyone was honest with themselves, I think everybody harbors fantasies of "revenge" against someone who has wronged them at some point in life. But, the way Belladonna gets her revenge is witty and smart.
A disclaimer about this book, there is a graphic part of the novel describing how "Belladonna" took her descent into hell. But, I think it was necessary, so the reader could truly see how the human pysche can be tortured and led to do things one would never do in normal circumstances.
This is an easy read, but a very long read! Even speed reading, it took me longer than I thought, but it was fascinating to read.
After this book, I'm not sure I ever want to let me daughters out of my sight!
September 25, 2010
I'm about halfway through, and so far, I lovelovelove this book! It's not "literature"; it's not going to win any prizes or probably change any lives. But damn, if it's not terrific!
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways: it was easy-squeezy to get into (story grabbed my by page 2); the drama is on the level of a daytime soap opera...all of the characters are deliciously larger-than-life: rich folks richer-than-God rich, the good guys are spectacularly good (even when they're being bad), the bad guys are exceptionally loathesome and sinister. The settings are all BIG and exotic, even when they're down-homey.
The book reminds me of the ones I loved so much in the 80s, the ones by Sidney Sheldon, Rona Jaffe, Jackie Collins, Harold Robbins...that bunch. Not life-changing, but certainly life-ENHANCING...and that's good enough for me!
UPDATE: In retrospect, I STILL LOVE THIS BOOK! While there are definitely parallels between this story and the Story of O, Belladonna is much less artsy, less "literary", as Story of O, and not a very fair comparison. I stick by my initial comparisons (see above), and suspect that Karen Moline never intended Belladonna to be groundbreaking; instead, she gave us a fun, creepy, sexy, and ultimately empowering, read.
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways: it was easy-squeezy to get into (story grabbed my by page 2); the drama is on the level of a daytime soap opera...all of the characters are deliciously larger-than-life: rich folks richer-than-God rich, the good guys are spectacularly good (even when they're being bad), the bad guys are exceptionally loathesome and sinister. The settings are all BIG and exotic, even when they're down-homey.
The book reminds me of the ones I loved so much in the 80s, the ones by Sidney Sheldon, Rona Jaffe, Jackie Collins, Harold Robbins...that bunch. Not life-changing, but certainly life-ENHANCING...and that's good enough for me!
UPDATE: In retrospect, I STILL LOVE THIS BOOK! While there are definitely parallels between this story and the Story of O, Belladonna is much less artsy, less "literary", as Story of O, and not a very fair comparison. I stick by my initial comparisons (see above), and suspect that Karen Moline never intended Belladonna to be groundbreaking; instead, she gave us a fun, creepy, sexy, and ultimately empowering, read.
September 4, 2014
This is by far one of the most wonderfully trashy books I have ever read.
It's filled with scandal and mystery. It touches up on some sensitive topics sure--it is definitely not for the fainthearted. Belladonna is a very good read and will keep you engaged for days! It didn't take me more than four days to read it; I couldn't put the book down at all!
Almost all of the characters are exceptionally developed throughout the whole story that spans over years. Not only that, it has an interesting viewpoint, as it is told by Tomasino--whose name I forget all the time, ironically--who is Belladonna's loyal "servant"-type character. It's filled with dark anecdotes and surely will entertain. His point of view makes the story a bit more emotional and captures the enigmatic beauty of Belladonna viewed from a different perspective.
One of the most entertaining books I have ever read.
I recommend anyone who's ready for a rollercoster of a book!
It's filled with scandal and mystery. It touches up on some sensitive topics sure--it is definitely not for the fainthearted. Belladonna is a very good read and will keep you engaged for days! It didn't take me more than four days to read it; I couldn't put the book down at all!
Almost all of the characters are exceptionally developed throughout the whole story that spans over years. Not only that, it has an interesting viewpoint, as it is told by Tomasino--whose name I forget all the time, ironically--who is Belladonna's loyal "servant"-type character. It's filled with dark anecdotes and surely will entertain. His point of view makes the story a bit more emotional and captures the enigmatic beauty of Belladonna viewed from a different perspective.
One of the most entertaining books I have ever read.
I recommend anyone who's ready for a rollercoster of a book!
July 4, 2011
This is by far my favorite book. No other book captivates, enthralls or occupies the mind like this book. I have read it cover to cover at least a dozen times, if not more. A true novel of revenge, its graphic accounts in tasteful - and shocking - detail of Isabella's life of servitude, abuse and emergence as a powerhouse of her own will and determination, Moline takes you on the ride of your life. Mystery, intrigue and vengeance of a kind only found in fiction make the reader both witness and insider to the many secrets, lies and truths, fully inducting us all into "the club." Once a member, the only thing to be done is surrender fully, and abandon hope of ever being able to put this novel down until the last page has been turned.
July 25, 2012
Oh my...this is a perfectly wicked read. I would rate this higher then the latest craze of 'Fifty Shades of Grey' books. Marketing, as always, has a lot to answer for!! I am confident that anyone comparing Belladonna to Fifty Shades of Grey Book One would come to the same conclusion. So many emotions play out in Belladonna, as the story unfolds you want to weep for the character and those surrounding her, this explores dominance at it's cruelest, bittersweet revenge (?), love ... everything...this ONE book beats 'Fifty' hands down!! Karen Moline...wbo is your publicist? This book should be the talk of the town!!
Please note, I read this book years ago..seriously ages...and it is still remarkable and memorable...go find this one and add it to your favourites!
Please note, I read this book years ago..seriously ages...and it is still remarkable and memorable...go find this one and add it to your favourites!
November 5, 2007
From what I recall, a wonderful book, but one of those that you cringe while you are not able to stop reading. If you cannot read about things related to S&M, bondage and the like, then you shouldn't pick this one up. But it is not about glorifying these things. Rather it handles how it affects the psyche, when done to a person not by their choice.
November 29, 2016
not what I expected. and am not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. the description makes it sound like the book borders on erotica, but actually there's very little sex (warning...rape). it's an interesting read. I was intrigued throughout
November 3, 2025
Oh my. A classic. A great read.
August 30, 2019
Belladonna is similar to the Count of Monte Cristo. It takes of revenge, a great wrong done and a lot of plotting.
I very much enjoyed the journey that Isabella, Tomasino and Matteo went through from their first encounter all the way to the end. The story is told through Tomasino's point of view, who is clearly the very loving and brotherly type to poor Isabella and his twin Matteo. The things the 3 of them went through some truly horrific and shocking things during their captive years in Europe (either through the war or at the hands of "His Lordship"). Now that they are free, they spend years plotting their revenge and capturing "His Lordship" and those part of this secret society that delight in torturing and dominating women, who are not there of their own free will.
Isabella, later known as Belladonna, fought her way out and is determined to do everything possible to destroy the people who put her through Hell. She undergoes such a transformation from a meek little caterpillar to a poisonous black widow. Honestly, I feel for her, she could have had a peaceful and idealistic life, if it wasn't for a chain of events that destroyed her and those she loves.
Club Belladonna and the Belladonna personality that they worked hard to mold and cultivate was interesting. Tomasino is a very good storyteller, his wit, view of life and humor gives a nice little balance and contrast to the darker moments of Isabella's flashbacks during those torturous 7 years. Naturally, Tomasino is biased, so some things are shown through rose coloured glasses.
Will they succeed in finding this secret society and destroy "His Lordship"? And if they do, what is the ultimate cost to everyone, emotionally and mentally? Ultimately, it is the thought of revenge, no matter how long it takes, that appeals the reader to soldier on to the end.
I very much enjoyed the journey that Isabella, Tomasino and Matteo went through from their first encounter all the way to the end. The story is told through Tomasino's point of view, who is clearly the very loving and brotherly type to poor Isabella and his twin Matteo. The things the 3 of them went through some truly horrific and shocking things during their captive years in Europe (either through the war or at the hands of "His Lordship"). Now that they are free, they spend years plotting their revenge and capturing "His Lordship" and those part of this secret society that delight in torturing and dominating women, who are not there of their own free will.
Isabella, later known as Belladonna, fought her way out and is determined to do everything possible to destroy the people who put her through Hell. She undergoes such a transformation from a meek little caterpillar to a poisonous black widow. Honestly, I feel for her, she could have had a peaceful and idealistic life, if it wasn't for a chain of events that destroyed her and those she loves.
Club Belladonna and the Belladonna personality that they worked hard to mold and cultivate was interesting. Tomasino is a very good storyteller, his wit, view of life and humor gives a nice little balance and contrast to the darker moments of Isabella's flashbacks during those torturous 7 years. Naturally, Tomasino is biased, so some things are shown through rose coloured glasses.
Will they succeed in finding this secret society and destroy "His Lordship"? And if they do, what is the ultimate cost to everyone, emotionally and mentally? Ultimately, it is the thought of revenge, no matter how long it takes, that appeals the reader to soldier on to the end.
November 25, 2018
I'm only about 100 pages in but I'm just not getting into it. I am interested in Belladonna's story, but i find Tomassino's narration tedious. Maybe i'll try it again in the future but for now i'm moving on.
June 7, 2023
Tried so hard. So boring, so cringe. Just couldn’t finish. I found myself avoiding reading bc of this book. Dear Lord. I wasted weeks trying to plod through it. Life’s too short. I made it a little over halfway but I. Could. Not. Finish. 👎
October 11, 2017
Engrossing read!!
This is my second time reading this book, and I find that it was more enjoyable the second time around!
This is my second time reading this book, and I find that it was more enjoyable the second time around!
January 24, 2019
Truly an amazing story and so engrossing. Honestly believe this could be a true story. Karen Moline is an exceptional author! I highly recommend this book!
July 4, 2023
One heck of a revenge novel.
September 11, 2023
I continue to read this book over an over again. I find new things in it each time.
September 13, 2023
I have read this probably 4 times already and always recommend it to friends.
October 23, 2023
all that for her to end up with a man
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2024
My comfort book! Everything about it is amazing. I can't get enough
July 7, 2025
I loved most of it with the exception of one disturbing chapter and was not crazy about the ending.
August 1, 2024
Не е нещо особено, но поне края е интересен.
April 27, 2022
Warning: This review mentions kidnapping, rape, sexual abuse, murder, and suicidal ideation. Reader discretion is advised.
This book came out three years after I graduated high school. Having grown up in a strictly religious town, I had no idea that that the themes in this book were not mere fiction. I had heard the name of the original historical Hellfire club in whispers, but that was mere rumor where I came from. No one else I knew had ever survived the violent themes I warned against above, so the book was an intriguing shock to my senses. After the first read, it became a tool for introspection throughout the years.
I am a survivor of all the above (and more) except the kidnapping and murder, so it was difficult to "watch" the protagonist struggle to maintain any sense of self, recreate her family and build a new life after her revenge had been exacted. Happily, I was not triggered by this book, even though I was recently escaped from lifelong abuse myself. There are enough descriptions of outrageous luxury and moments of tenderness mixed in with the mature themes that I was able to relax and finish the book. As she achieved her goals one way or another, I saw a light at the end of the tunnel, which helped set me on the path of healing.
As my mental health has improved and the scars of my youth fade, I have re-read this book several times. Each time, I find that I missed details from previous readings, which gives the book greater depth in my regard. I briefly skimmed reviews written by others on this website before writing my own, and the general consensus appears to be that this book is a "guilty pleasure" and a "trashy Comte(esse) de Monte Cristo" but "still better than" the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy (which I have not read.) I don't understand why having a female in the re-imagined role of the Count qualifies this book as "trashy" and is thereby considered inferior. I suspect that has much to do with gender role double standards. I would only consider this book a "guilty" pleasure if one does not feel free to explore the meaning the book holds for them with their peers and relatives. One should not feel ashamed to read about the travesties and triumphs of others simply because sex is involved.
On a side note, I later discovered the abridged version of this book on cassette, read by Tim Curry. I haven't found this book in unabridged audio format, more's the pity. If you want the book in all its hideously lavish curiosity, don't listen to the audiobook until you've read it. While Tim Curry's voice acting induces excess salivation, so much of the meat of the book is cut in the abridgement that it feels "edited to run in the time allotted" ala movies-to-television in the days of yore.
This book is not an easy read for some people, but it is worth reading if one can read past the debauchery and into the character development. Not only the protagonist, but all the members of her newly formed, previously fractured family explore life after ill use by others. Some fare better than others, and it is easy to identify with each of them on one or ore levels.
This book came out three years after I graduated high school. Having grown up in a strictly religious town, I had no idea that that the themes in this book were not mere fiction. I had heard the name of the original historical Hellfire club in whispers, but that was mere rumor where I came from. No one else I knew had ever survived the violent themes I warned against above, so the book was an intriguing shock to my senses. After the first read, it became a tool for introspection throughout the years.
I am a survivor of all the above (and more) except the kidnapping and murder, so it was difficult to "watch" the protagonist struggle to maintain any sense of self, recreate her family and build a new life after her revenge had been exacted. Happily, I was not triggered by this book, even though I was recently escaped from lifelong abuse myself. There are enough descriptions of outrageous luxury and moments of tenderness mixed in with the mature themes that I was able to relax and finish the book. As she achieved her goals one way or another, I saw a light at the end of the tunnel, which helped set me on the path of healing.
As my mental health has improved and the scars of my youth fade, I have re-read this book several times. Each time, I find that I missed details from previous readings, which gives the book greater depth in my regard. I briefly skimmed reviews written by others on this website before writing my own, and the general consensus appears to be that this book is a "guilty pleasure" and a "trashy Comte(esse) de Monte Cristo" but "still better than" the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy (which I have not read.) I don't understand why having a female in the re-imagined role of the Count qualifies this book as "trashy" and is thereby considered inferior. I suspect that has much to do with gender role double standards. I would only consider this book a "guilty" pleasure if one does not feel free to explore the meaning the book holds for them with their peers and relatives. One should not feel ashamed to read about the travesties and triumphs of others simply because sex is involved.
On a side note, I later discovered the abridged version of this book on cassette, read by Tim Curry. I haven't found this book in unabridged audio format, more's the pity. If you want the book in all its hideously lavish curiosity, don't listen to the audiobook until you've read it. While Tim Curry's voice acting induces excess salivation, so much of the meat of the book is cut in the abridgement that it feels "edited to run in the time allotted" ala movies-to-television in the days of yore.
This book is not an easy read for some people, but it is worth reading if one can read past the debauchery and into the character development. Not only the protagonist, but all the members of her newly formed, previously fractured family explore life after ill use by others. Some fare better than others, and it is easy to identify with each of them on one or ore levels.
June 1, 2024
This is a re-read more than once book. A great Fiction that takes place in the late thirties, to the 60's. I can't shorten the synopsis, but I can say it is a great read if you are not too "sophisticated" in your dark fiction. I initially came across this book at the American Women's Library in Aman Jordan back in 1999. A little room in a park clubhouse devoted to holding all the paperback novels donated by the American and British women who visit the country. A godsend for me while I was there.
It is Dark fiction; a young woman goes to her first party while visiting relatives in England but ends up being taken and auctioned off as a sexual slave. All a part of a (once every ten years?) ritual by a high ranking secret society. The auctioned off woman is held in sexual servituted by a length of time determined by how much money she fetched at auction. That money is held in a Swiss account until her release. The heroine in this book broke all the records by getting the biggest pay but having the longest stay...something like seven years.
For years she is held, in a gilded cage that doesn't allow her to leave the room and is attended by two brothers who were also captives and eunics -- punishment for being caught trying to steal.
They all escape taking with them one of the two babies she had by her captor. Her twins were born and the son was taken away---she never knew what happened to him. Her daughter was able to be taken when they escaped. They spend the rest of the book building a life and seeking out each member of the secret society that caused her captivity by abducting her from a party and holding the auction that sold her to the unknown man. She had never seen him because he blindfolded her for the years she spent with him.
Her biggest fear was being found and retaken, her biggest goal was to find and expose the secret society that every five years auctions off young unsuspecting women. How she goes about achieving her goals and her life during those years was what made the book so good.
It's a definite re-read for me.....
It is Dark fiction; a young woman goes to her first party while visiting relatives in England but ends up being taken and auctioned off as a sexual slave. All a part of a (once every ten years?) ritual by a high ranking secret society. The auctioned off woman is held in sexual servituted by a length of time determined by how much money she fetched at auction. That money is held in a Swiss account until her release. The heroine in this book broke all the records by getting the biggest pay but having the longest stay...something like seven years.
For years she is held, in a gilded cage that doesn't allow her to leave the room and is attended by two brothers who were also captives and eunics -- punishment for being caught trying to steal.
They all escape taking with them one of the two babies she had by her captor. Her twins were born and the son was taken away---she never knew what happened to him. Her daughter was able to be taken when they escaped. They spend the rest of the book building a life and seeking out each member of the secret society that caused her captivity by abducting her from a party and holding the auction that sold her to the unknown man. She had never seen him because he blindfolded her for the years she spent with him.
Her biggest fear was being found and retaken, her biggest goal was to find and expose the secret society that every five years auctions off young unsuspecting women. How she goes about achieving her goals and her life during those years was what made the book so good.
It's a definite re-read for me.....
May 13, 2012
While I love historical fiction, this is not the normal type of book that I dive into, however I actually read it in one sitting because I stayed up all night reading it. It takes you through the time period's of the middle 1930's through the late 1950's and a brief glimpse into the future. Belladonna is a young girl who gets kidnapped while she is in England visiting with her cousin June, and is essentially auctioned off by members of a sadistic "Club" that sells young girls , for the purposes of what they like to think of as a grand experiment in human nature, owning a slave, and sexual slavery and S&M, when you hear about what Bella Donna Goes through in her younger years as Isabella at the hands of "His Lordship" the "Club" member who "buys" her it reminds you of modern day sex slavery except victims don't usually get the chance to receive any money in return to extract revenge on their persecutors.
The story is told from the point of view of one of the twin brother's who help BellaDonna escape, as well as escaping themselves; they know they must get Belladonna out from under the iron grip of "His Lordship, after she has been trapped with him for over ten years, and is breaking emotionally; After they escape the book describes how she recovers and gets her iron grip on revenge through the help of a kind rich older man; Once this period of her life ends they start planning revenge and do so first by opening Club Belladonna and finding a member of the "Club" and ...well if you want to know just read the book...I couldn't put it down... if you want a darker adult read about a woman on the path of revenge this is a good one...
The story is told from the point of view of one of the twin brother's who help BellaDonna escape, as well as escaping themselves; they know they must get Belladonna out from under the iron grip of "His Lordship, after she has been trapped with him for over ten years, and is breaking emotionally; After they escape the book describes how she recovers and gets her iron grip on revenge through the help of a kind rich older man; Once this period of her life ends they start planning revenge and do so first by opening Club Belladonna and finding a member of the "Club" and ...well if you want to know just read the book...I couldn't put it down... if you want a darker adult read about a woman on the path of revenge this is a good one...
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