Ok, I admit I'm playing devil's advocate here!

The Story of O was the first BDSM book I read. (Well, I think so. I was a long time ago!) I re-read it recently and was not overly impressed, particularly with the second half.

How does it REALLY compare with other fiction published in the last 50 years?

Is it actually just revered for its historical, 'sexuopolitical' importance?