The Story

This book picks up right where the first one left off. Aline is still trapped by her father, President Blamont, who is determined to marry her off to a repulsive but wealthy man instead of her true love, Valcour. A big chunk of the story is told through letters as Valcour tries to rescue her. But the real action is in the arguments. Blamont and his circle spend pages debating the nature of law, power, and pleasure, presenting a worldview that is deliberately shocking and meant to provoke. Alongside this, we follow other characters on global journeys that serve as examples of different societies, all feeding back into the central debate about how we should live.

Why You Should Read It

If you come to Sade expecting just scandal, you'll be surprised. Here, the scandal is in the ideas. Reading these debates feels like watching a brilliantly articulate villain explain his entire plan. It's uncomfortable and compelling at the same time. You're not meant to agree with Blamont—you're meant to grapple with the questions he raises. The love story, while sweet, almost takes a backseat to this clash of philosophies. It shows Sade as a serious, if extreme, thinker who uses fiction to attack the foundations of his society.

Final Verdict

This isn't a casual beach read. It's perfect for readers who love classic literature with a dark edge, or anyone interested in the radical philosophy of the 18th century. You need some patience for the long, discursive style, but the payoff is a unique look into a mind that wanted to tear everything down. Pair it with Volume 1 for the full story, and prepare for a challenging, thought-provoking, and genuinely unique experience.