InformedIgnorance
Do you 'know' or believe?
I have now for more than a month been constantly hearing of the 'fantastic' book 'Fifty Shades of Grey' By EL James, this thread shall detail my response to this book (which I have found is but the first in a series and so I shall cover the series entire) as I read it bit by bit.
Before reading this book, I have heard that it is a piece of erotic literature which is quite confronting at times, far from the more simplistic depictions of relationships and sexuality that we are often exposed to. Seldom do I find myself enjoying a book by a female author quite as much, mind you, seldom do I read non fantasy books - though I have indeed read many an erotic short story online.
Even as I write this post, one of the lovely ladies at the coffee shop noticed the book I have placed on the table face down, spine facing me so as to minimise the potential exposure it might bring. She owns the series and loves it, lending it to her friends and co-workers; she does however warn me that it does not get going until the 6th chapter or so. Now I stand forewarned about the potentially slow start, something that might otherwise have annoyed me.
And so I begin.
My Impressions:
edit: I will attempt to make this a chapter by chapter thing
Before reading this book, I have heard that it is a piece of erotic literature which is quite confronting at times, far from the more simplistic depictions of relationships and sexuality that we are often exposed to. Seldom do I find myself enjoying a book by a female author quite as much, mind you, seldom do I read non fantasy books - though I have indeed read many an erotic short story online.
Even as I write this post, one of the lovely ladies at the coffee shop noticed the book I have placed on the table face down, spine facing me so as to minimise the potential exposure it might bring. She owns the series and loves it, lending it to her friends and co-workers; she does however warn me that it does not get going until the 6th chapter or so. Now I stand forewarned about the potentially slow start, something that might otherwise have annoyed me.
And so I begin.
My Impressions:
Thus far the story has been engaging, the characters believable; Anastasia, the slightly introverted and subdued university student has been introduced in such a way as to enable people to more easily empathise with her situation. Christian the enigmatic yet enthralling tycoon, with a high need for control is introduced in such a way as to make him intriguing and engaging, though not altogether likeable.
The setting is one I as a former university student could all too easily envisage, the tone of the narrative light at times yet subtle overtones developing in complexity, these situations largely resulting from Anastasia's thoughts and reactions to the situation or as a result of Christian's promptings, only to be whisked away as Anastasia manages to exert some measure of influence over the situation, to try to bring the scenario to reflect how she thinks it should be and how she thinks she should act or appear (professional, composed and so forth) despite being plunged into a situation where she has little knowledge of the people involved or what is expected. These intermittent moments seem to draw Christian's interest even more.
The setting is one I as a former university student could all too easily envisage, the tone of the narrative light at times yet subtle overtones developing in complexity, these situations largely resulting from Anastasia's thoughts and reactions to the situation or as a result of Christian's promptings, only to be whisked away as Anastasia manages to exert some measure of influence over the situation, to try to bring the scenario to reflect how she thinks it should be and how she thinks she should act or appear (professional, composed and so forth) despite being plunged into a situation where she has little knowledge of the people involved or what is expected. These intermittent moments seem to draw Christian's interest even more.
The story begins to take on a slightly more wistful tone, we are introduced to a couple of new characters and Anastasia's relationships with those around her and her situation is developed in more detail. Her general lack of romantic experience is alluded to throughout this section, giving the impression of a somewhat cloistered girl. The sudden involvement of Christian is something she has had no real parallel for in her life so far and his reappearance in a second meeting is a major shake-up for the girl, his impressive, even intoxicating presence and his cryptic double entendres throw her even more off balance.
edit: I will attempt to make this a chapter by chapter thing
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