Book Review: Grey by E.L. James

Time for the review of the first book off August's reading list. You can check it out here if you missed it.

My review of Grey by E.L. James

 

 

Blurb from the back cover

See the world of Fifty Shades of Grey anew through the eyes of Christian Grey.

In Christian’s own words, and through his thoughts, reflections and dreams, E.L James offers a fresh perspective on the love story that has enthralled millions of readers around the world.

Christian Grey exercises control in all things: his world is neat, disciplined and utterly empty – until the day that Anastasia Steele falls into his office, in a tumble of shapely limbs and tumbling brown hair. He tries to forget her, but instead is swept up in a storm of emotion he cannot comprehend and cannot resist. Unlike any woman he has known before, shy, unworldly Ana seems to see right through him – past the business prodigy and the pent house lifestyle to Christian’s cold, wounded heart.

 

Will being with Ana dispel the horrors of his childhood that haunt Christian every night? Or will his dark sexual desires, his compulsion to control, and the self-loathing that fills his soul drive this girl away and destroy the fragile hope she offers him?

 

My thoughts on the book

When I start a book, I like to go in open minded. That didn't happen here. Having read the original 50 Shades trilogy, it was never going to happen. I went into expecting very little to be honest. It was one of those books where you've read the others, so you have to read this one.

I was pleasantly surprised. First up, the character of Ana is so much less annoying when you're not inside her head. I didn't want to give her a good shake half as much in this book! The narrative was much more enjoyable in this book. Christian comes across as much more real than Ana did. And thankfully, he doesn't have an "Inner Goddess" which drove me mad in the original.

 



Conclusion and rating

I actually enjoyed it! It's still ridiculously far fetched, and its still not about domestic violence in any way (don't get me started on that!), but it's much more readable from Christian's view point. If you've read the original and it's put you off trying this one, give it a go, you might just be surprised. If you haven't read the original one, don't bother, just skip to this one! 4/5

 

Have you read it? Did you like it more or less than the original?

 

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50 Shades Of Grey: The Movie Vs The Book 19th March 2015

On February 16th I wrote a post on this blog (50 shades of publicity) about the 50 Shades franchise. This is a follow up to that one so may be worth looking at it to get a bit of context.
I have finally gotten around to watching the movie, and I must say it was not at all what I was expecting. Whilst the term thought provoking may be a stretch, it did make me think.
In the original post, I wrote that some women's rights groups are opposed to this movie as it is derogatory to women and portrays an abusive relationship. I disagreed with that as a dom/sub relationship is consenting.
After watching the movie, I sort of see where they are coming from, and how, if they haven't read the book, this could be misinterpreted. The book is written from Ana's point of view, and throughout we have the voice of Ana's "inner Goddess". Now when reading the book, this inner voice drove me mad, however, when watching the movie, I understood its importance. This inner voice described Ana's feelings. It let the reader know that she was enjoying being dominated. Without this narrative, the movie lacks the feel of enjoyment on her part.
For all she has been seen to consent, the movie gave me the impression she was just going along with what Christian wanted because she was afraid to lose him. In the book, it came across as her being treated like a princess, in the movie it came across as her being treated like a cheap sex toy at times.
*Spoiler alert* Also, I think the big thing for women's rights groups would be the punishment scene at the end. In the movie, that had the distinct feeling of domestic abuse. Ana was crying, clearly uncomfortable and he just kept on.
I think "punishment" is one thing in a sexual context if you both enjoy it. However, when you are being beaten for rolling your eyes, or saying something the man doesn't like, it's perhaps a little more than that.
I'm not sure if the movie was done this way on purpose to make it a bit more sensationalist, or if it just somewhat missed the mark, but I got a very different feel from it than the book.
I do still stand by the point that it's fictional though, and can see no real reason why it should be banned. I also still think all these women's rights groups are giving it added publicity.
Check out my other blog lovelifeandeverydaythings.blogspot.com and feel free to comment :)

50 Shades Of Lunacy 6th March 2015

The school in Sale that sent home an 11 year old for dressing up as Christian Grey for World Book Day has certainly divided opinion today.
In and of itself the outfit was in no way offensive - its a grey suit. So I can only assume it's the character they found offensive. You can't exclude a character just because you don't like him. Christian Grey is currently one of the most talked about literary characters. I wonder how many children went as characters such as Voldemort, and didn't get sent home or excluded from the activities? I mean come on, they suggested the child be James Bond instead. I can't be the only person that thinks this is hypocritical to the point of ridiculous. The original womaniser, plus a killer? Yes, I see how that's better!
I would be surprised if the child even really knows who Christian Grey is. Surely by their actions, the school served only to draw more attention to it and make it a talking point.
In my opinion, it was a bit of fun. I mean it's not like he turned up in a gimp suit! 
All this publicity is certainly doing the franchise another huge favour!
Feel free to comment :)