"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body." Sir Richard Steele

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Review of Fifty Shades of Grey


Fifty Shades of Grey
EL James
Vintage Books 2012
ISBN 9780345803481

   Anastasia Steele stands in to do an interview with Christian Grey for her ill friend and roommate. She finds Christian to be not only handsome, but extremely intimidating. Despite all  of this, Ana finds she wants and desires this alluring man.
   Christian is unable to resist Ana's wit and independence. He does everything in his power to meet Ana on her own turf and they both become obsessed with each other. They embark on a passionate and physical affair that takes Ana into the dark desires of Christian Grey. 
   Wow! Where does one begin with a book that has sky-rocketed to the top of the best seller list and has drawn millions of fans worldwide? If one follows reviews, you will find a wide range of ratings for this book. I for one enjoyed the book immensely. Not because it was top notch writing. In this respect, I don't think it is. It is not destined to make a classic. The repetitiveness in the book goes beyond boring. Anna must bite her lip a hundred times or more. It is a wonder she has a lip left. I never saw someone blush as much as she does. It would be easier to tattoo a permanent sunburn upon her face. Despite these two individuals being American, inappropriate use of English phrases are evident such as prams and rucksack. 
   Despite this, I really did love the story. Once I started, I was unable to put the book down. There is something so endearing, at the same time pitiful, about Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey that I could not help liking them. Both in their own way are so pathetic that they are made for each other. Christian is tormented by some inner demons and the need to control. I find Ana questioningly independent. She is totally under Christian's control. He is completely dominant and she is totally submissive. Underlying this relationship is a simmering love story that is dying to get out. The question is whether either one can let go of baggage that holds them hostage. 
   After finishing this book, I will no doubt read the other two because I must see where this relationship will end or not end as the case may be. If you enjoy erotica and BDSM, then give this book a go. If you are the type who finds this type of reading offensive, then by all means don't read it. Don't read it and then complain about the vulgarity of the story.

I give Book 1 of the Fifty Shades trilogy 4 out of 5 stars



1 comment:

  1. Nicely done, could not have put it better myself.
    Could not help but chuckle at the lip remark :)

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