Dangerous Liaisons

A subtle psychological novel in the epistolary genre. Through the correspondence of the main characters, cynical aristocrat manipulators Valmont and Merteuil, a virtuoso chess match of living people unfolds before the reader.

The author's mastery transforms the exchange of letters into a merciless mirror, exposing the true motives of the characters: hidden intrigues, confessions, betrayals, and double meanings that reveal the true nature of human feelings.

This scandalous novel, condemned to destruction in 1823 "for offending morality," is now considered one of the first examples of psychological prose and still enjoys readers' affection: it has over ten film adaptations, including the Oscar-winning one featuring Glenn Close and John Malkovich in the leading roles.

The end of the 18th century. Young Cécile is promised to marry the count — and is completely unaware that from this moment she has become an instrument of revenge in the hands of his former lover, the Marquise de Merteuil. To carry out the audacious plan, she is to be assisted by an old friend and renowned seducer, the Vicomte de Valmont. Both are firmly convinced: love is a duel, and victory will go to the one whose tactics are more sophisticated. But will they be outsmarted by life itself?