It’s time for #6degrees. Start at the same place as other wonderful readers, add six books, and see where you end up.
This month we begin with Dangerous Liaisons by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos.
Dear Dickhead by Virginie Despentes is labeled as ‘a breakthrough Dangerous Liaisons for our time’. The novel is described as a feminist piece, and follows an epistolary structure.
Also described as a feminist piece, and a story where letters play a pivotal part in the plot, is I Love Dick by Chris Kraus.
I recently watched the series of I Love Dick on television. It was absolutely bananas (couldn’t believe it was based on autofiction!). I haven’t read Kraus’s book yet, but the last television series I saw based on a book that I have read was Fake by Stephanie Wood.
Still on television and books – I’ve been watching The L Word because there were so many references to it in Anna Dorn’s Perfume & Pain. It was the perfect beach read, as was Banal Nightmare by Halle Butler, which I also read when I had a sea view.
Butler refers to lots of books in Banal Nightmare but one of my favourite scenes drew on Edith Wharton’s The House of Mirth.
“The reason I like House of Mirth,” said Moddie in the parking lot, “is not because I think it’s a morally pure feminist examination of patriarchal structures, in fact I know Edith Wharton said point-blank she wasn’t a feminist. I like it because I’m a fucking masochist with a weak ego, and I love being emotionally manipulated by a master pervert, duh.”
“Yeah, duh,” said Nina.
Classics book-ended contemporary literature this time. Where will other chains go? Link up below or post your link in the comments section.
Next month (March 1, 2025), we’ll start with the 2023 Booker Prize winner, Prophet Song by Paul Lynch.
I love The house of mirth so that quote made me laugh.
I did something different this time. Here’s my post: https://whisperinggums.com/2025/02/01/six-degrees-of-separation-from-dangerous-liaisons-to/
I’m late today because (as you know) I was late with a book awards announcement too!
https://anzlitlovers.com/2025/02/01/six-degrees-of-separation-from-dangerous-liaisons/
Here’s mine https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2025/02/01/tcls-6degrees-of-separation-for-february-1-2025/
Oh, Annabel’s second link is the same as yours! I have added it to my wish list as I love a good epistolary novel.
Ah, Kate, yet again I’ve read none of your choices. Dear Dickhead sounds an inspired follow-on from Dangerous Liaisons! Here’s mine: https://margaret21.com/2025/02/01/six-degrees-of-separation-from-dangerous-liaisons-to-cloistered/
Been having trouble leaving comments so fingers crossed for this one.
Here’s my chain for this month: https://portobellobookblog.com/2025/02/01/6degrees-of-separation-for-2025/
My first link is also to another epistolary novel – Lady Susan by Jane Austen and ended on another classic too. I haven’t read any of your choices, or heard of them either, except for The House of Mirth, which I failed to finish.
I haven’t read any of these, but do want to read The House of Mirth. Here’s my chain:
https://shereadsnovels.com/2025/02/01/six-degrees-of-separation-from-dangerous-liaisons-to-birdcage-walk/
I started with an epistolary book as well. I really enjoyed House of Mirth, but I don’t know if it was for the same reason as in your quote! https://residentjudge.com/2025/02/01/six-degrees-of-separation-from-dangerous-liaisons-to/
Loved Dear Dickhead. Despentes (as translated by Frank Wynne) is now a must-read for me since her Vernon Subutex trilogy.
What a quote to end on! Here’s mine: https://alifeinbooks.co.uk/2025/02/six-degrees-of-separation-liaisons-dangereuse-to-brighton-rock/
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Of your books, I’ve only read The House of Mirth — if you come to Boston, I’ll take you to see Wharton’s home in Western Massachusetts, https://www.edithwharton.org/
Here is my chain: https://perfectretort.blogspot.com/2025/01/six-degrees-of-separation-from.html
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I found several of your titles quite hilarious in the context of our first book. My mind must still be quite French, lol.
I sticked with French classics: https://wordsandpeace.com/2025/02/01/six-degrees-of-separation-french-classics/
Once again, I’ve read only 1 book in your chain (House of Mirth), but I’ve read it 3 times. Here’s my list: https://www.notesinthemargin.org/2025/02/01/6-degrees-of-separation-danger-water/
I posted, then forgot to link up!
https://hopewellslibraryoflife.wordpress.com/2025/02/01/six-degrees-of-separation-dangerous-liaisons-by-pierre-choderlos-de-laclos/
I Love the L Word, it’s been years since I watched it, I might have to revisit it. I went with books set in France https://clairesreadsandreviews.home.blog/2025/02/02/6degrees-of-separation-11-february-2025/
Interesting chain. I kept to the years this time. Always a different idea.
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Fashionably late as usual, but always love taking part in this monthly meme. Plus, I adored the starting book in my teens, thought it was very naughty and grown-up!
I have been loving reading these since I started blogging again, and this is my first time joining in. It’s so creative. Mine started with Dangerous Liaisons and took me to Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier – via some monsters and vampires of course.
https://aidanvale.blogspot.com/2025/02/six-degrees-of-separation-from.html
Halfway through the month late but love doing this so adding my link here anyways.. https://www.ladyinreadwrites.com/from-dangerous-liaisons-to-the-invisible-string-of-love-and-more/ and as per usual, have not read the starter book, though do hope to get to reading The House of Mirth soon