Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos

I finished this book a few days ago, but waited posting (1) since Mike has been using the computer for ACTUAL work (another paper), and (2) I still have not decided what I think of it. Its a book written in the late 1700's and ever since its publication has been a point of contention as it is deemed "dangerous." I read a review of the book in a magazine and as it is still deemed dangerous today, decided to read it.
The book is written in the form of letters. The letters take place over a few months and track the actions of the two main characters as they set out to destroy people's lives. They take innocent, virtuous people, who they only have contempt for, and very meticulously try to defame them. The book was wonderfully written and the ending suitable for the main characters, but those that they rob of innocence, there is no justice.
I really liked the way the book was written and the plot line. The disturbing part was that you can see this actually see this happening in real life. You can imagine that this conversation would occur between two people, a bet ensues and people's lives are forever changed from it. I believe that is why this book is still deemed as dangerous. For any of you who have seen the movie 'Cruel Intentions', it was based on this book. The movie has a happier ending, in some respects, and the book has racier moments. I know that it seems odd since the book was written in the 1700's and the movie was made in the 1990's, but its the truth.