Reviews

Lust, Caution: The Story by James Schamus, Julia Lovell, Eileen Chang

boesco's review

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mysterious tense

4.0

h3dakota's review against another edition

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4.0

I love a story that stays with me long after I've read it. Lust, Caution is one of those stories. I read the short story first, then watched the film. I then re-read the story and browsed through the screenplay.

In my World Lit class, I have been fascinated to read that my fellow students all had different reactions to the story - mostly to the film. I found it mostly shocking that the majority seem to feel that Chia-chih was in love with Mr. Yee. The film takes some liberties with the story, but in light of decisions made by Mr. Yee, I would say that they were likely accurate additions. Can a woman ever truly love a man that rapes her? No. She might become so fearful of him that it is easier for her mind to think she is, but truly love him? Hell no.

takeoutbox's review against another edition

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dark mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.75


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g__ta's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

yeah_nahnia's review against another edition

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4.0

A quick thrilling read with a different (but still great) ending than the film. The film definitely has the space and time to expand upon things only hinted at the book.

freddie's review against another edition

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2.0

Quick read but somewhat unsatisfying. I don't know why I need to care about the main characters and the ending is predictable.

carolpk's review against another edition

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4.0

I'm not much of a short story reader but had read so much about this sparse story that today's winter storm day seemed the perfect time to jump in. As with most short stories, there's so much underlying the narrative. Chang writes beautifully and I thoroughly enjoyed this sensual tale of love affairs and spies. Can't wait to finally watch the movie now that I've read the book.

angmsmith1's review against another edition

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4.0

A quick read - I finished it in a day. The book had a forward that gave a lot of the author's history, which was very interesting. It's a short story, so I'm curious to see how they turned it into a full-length movie. Very good.

mangliu0130's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5

hello_neko's review against another edition

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reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75