Stacking in Rivertown

By Barbara Bell

Book Overview

An intricately emotional and erotic debut and a haunting foray into the deepest recesses of a sexual underworld, Stacking in Rivertown features a highly unusual, whip-wielding heroine in a story of love, pain, and redemption.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0684870355
• ISBN13: 9780684870359
• Release Date: July 2000
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 1.0" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

Not a bdsm novel

"Stacking in Rivertown" was fascinating, but I had to let it settle sometimes; it's thought provoking rather than a page turner. The protagonist's struggle to recover her past and escape from her present involved many events that would not be recounted in a mainstream novel. They place her in her story, which is not the quest told in many bdsm genre novels. The tale is dark because of the protagonist's situation, not for provocation or stimulation.Barabara Bell is listed as a poet, and it shows. The plotting is execllent, the characters fascinating (even the reprehensible pimp), and the writing poetic and polished. Sometimes she reminded me of Tennessee Williams.Definitely worth reading, but it is challenging.

Disturbing psychological thriller

I really believe the only reason this book doesn't have an overall average of 5 stars from readers is that some object to Bell's portrayal of the BDSM world. The twisted, sordid edge of that world described in the book is only a backdrop for the journey of the main character from traumatic loss of memory to acceptance and some healing. It's beautifully realized and assured in a way few first novels are. I cried at the end, which is something I almost never do. A compelling, fascinating story--and not a piece of erotic fiction, despite the cover art.

Could not put it down

I read "Stacking" over the holidays, and once started could not put it down. Not only does the book have some very hot BDSM scenes, but a capitivating murder mystery story line. This book is very well crafted, and a must read. The author has leaped to the first rank of the gendre with her first effort.

Hauntingly Dark and Sexy

I found this book to be dark and sexy and I was left with haunting images of the characters long after I finished reading it. While I agree with one of the other reviewers that some of the plot elements require a suspension of disbelief, this is definitely a book that will forcibly grab you and not let you go. I loved it!

Extremely disturbing and I couldn't put it down

Sometimes a book grabs you by the hair and drags you through its pages. This is one of those. Stacking in Rivertown is the story of Beth, a young, married woman just finding success as an author. Her world unravels as her five-year 'amnesia' fades and she recalls being held prisoner in a brutal S & M prostitution ring (she and the other captives were forced to perform in violent and tortuous plays for wealthy clients). After the group again captures Beth, her psyche and traumatic childhood are vividly explored with such clarity I felt I knew her soul. Just the description of what goes through Beth's mind while being bound and locked inside a box gave me nightmares for a week. This is not a light and happy read, but if you want an intense book that evokes deep and not-very-pleasant emotions, this is the book for you. With lessons in survival, the depths of pain and love, and just how far one needs to go to be free of ones demons, this book captured me from the first page and I highly recommend it. A truly stunning debut by Barbara Bell.