This book may at first glance look like standard genre fiction filling the shelves of airports and supermarkets: A fat tome with a catchy and provocative cover written by a pseudonymous author. With that, this book could easily be classified as genre fiction and it is, in a sense. It is a mystery novel, for as soon as Jeremy Walker lays eyes on the tempting and enigmatic Belinda, he is driven to find out who she is. Even after he knows her name and has her staying at his house, he has a desperate desire to uncover her identity. This is what drives the plot of the book. The story is also erotic. Belinda becomes Jeremy's physical and artistic obsession, and Rice illustrates this with feverish and sensual prose.
However, it is unfair to simply dismiss Belinda as a genre work as many might do after the simple act of seeing the name of Anne Rice on the cover, an author indelibly linked to the vampire genre. For all the sensuality, eroticism, and mystery formula present in Belinda, the themes it tackles are quite literary. The relationship between artist and muse, the power of love, and ultimately the power and ability of art to transform people and transcend obstacles.
A commendable novel from Rice that is every bit as good as her vampire tales and could probably appeal to a much wider audience if they gave it the chance. A film version would be phenomenal if done well. ( )

I liked it in the way the mystery was created. I didn’t know anything about the girl and wanted to find out. But, Jeremy I found intolerable. The only thing stiff about him was his prick. The sex scenes were briefly described and very sensual and emotional.

Not as daring in the sexual escapades department as Exit to Eden, this book, written by Anne Rice under a pseudonym, explores the forbidden sexual relationship between child (teenager really) and adult. Rice's signature romantic writing style makes this an intriguing read. Appropriate for college aged and beyond. ( )

This is the _only_ Anne Rice I've ever liked, and a more unlikely thing has probably never occurred in my library. ( )

Some people would find this book disgusting or disturubing, however, I loved it. The story line is beautiful and has you really feeling for the characters. ( )