Fifty Shades of Grey - Book Review

Fifty Shades of Grey - Book Review

Post
Subscribe

Posted 2012-05-07 by Olgafollow
I first heard about Fifty Shades of Grey on a book recommendation forum, apparently this book was 'what every woman in the States is reading at the moment' and even my local tiny library was ordering it. I was very intrigued.

A quick search on Google brought me to [Link=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fifty_Shades_of_Grey]Wikipedia[/LINK] and I discovered that Fifty Shades of Grey is New York Times #1 bestselling erotic fiction paperback and e-book by E. L. James. The book and consequently the trilogy, was developed from a Twilight fanfiction originally entitled Masters of The Universe, main characters being Edward Cullen and Bella Swan. However, after comments concerning the sexual nature of the material, the author removed the story from the fanfiction websites and later rewrote the piece with the principle characters being Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele.

Reading the first chapter it felt very much like another Mills & Boone book – Christian Grey is only 27 but he is the Founder and CEO of Grey Enterprises Holdings Inc. He is very rich, extremely handsome yet the tabloids never seen him with a date (insert cliché number one). We then have Anastasia Steele, a 21-year-old recent college graduate, sexually inexperienced with low self- esteem (yep, another cliché) that literally stumbles into his office. Let the love story begin.



But this story takes a wild twist when Christian, "poor, fucked-up, kinky, philanthropic, Christian" provides Anastasia with a BDSM contract that she must sign if she wants to be a part of his life and pass through the doors to the "Red Room of Pain". The contract specifies, in no less than 22 clauses and 4 Appendixes (control much?) the rules by which Christian, "The Dominant", and Anastasia, "The Submissive" are to adhere and the consequences if one shall fail.

"Clause 15.5 The Dominant may discipline the Submissive as necessary to ensure the Submissive fully appreciates her role of subservience to the Dominant and to discourage unacceptable conduct. The Dominant may flog, spank, whip or corporally punish the Submissive as he sees fit, for purposes of discipline, for own personal enjoyment, or for any other reason which he is not obliged to provide."

However, not all clauses are so harsh; clause 15.10 states that "the Dominant shall not loan his Submissive to another Dominant," who said that romance was dead?

The book is told from Anastasia's point of view and we get to experience her turmoil in wanting to be with the unpredictable and controlling Mr Grey but feeling that this life style is too overwhelming for her (which I'm sure many women who get a BDSM contract on the second date can relate to). Could she surrender to him completely and live by his rules?
I have no idea how this book managed to be in New York Times #1 bestselling erotic fiction. It is hardly a masterpiece but it is erotic fiction indeed; with many (many) explicit sexual scenes featuring BDSM. At times the relationship between Christian and Anastasia actually seems fun and sweet but then Christian will reveal a fantasy, such as to to have Anastasia "bound and gagged in a crate" or would like to punish her for rolling her eyes and your insides just cringe and I found myself wanting to shout - get some self respect girl and leave him.

If you want to see what all the fuss is about, read this book. However, if you don't agree with Rihanna and chains and whips don't excite you, perhaps give this book a miss.

#misc
#books_writing
#literary
%wnmelbourne
180082 - 2023-06-15 23:08:17

Tags

Free
Festivals
Outdoor
Music
Markets
Nightlife
Fundraisers
Family_friendly
Community
Arts_culture
Food_drink
Educational
Random
Theatre_shows
Shopping_markets
Copyright 2024 OatLabs ABN 18113479226