I read a “novel” recently that begs to be discussed. I’m not exactly sure why 50 Shades Of Grey became such a cultural phenomenon and one of the biggest selling books of all time (aside from the public’s obvious interest in pornography) but it’s quite the overrated little concoction.
On one hand, the writing style is just so painfully pedestrian and simple that it feels like a 12-year old wrote it (and trust me that’s an insult to 12-year olds everywhere). I don’t think I’ve ever really read a book that felt this cheap and badly written. E.L. James’ reliance on repetitive phrases such as the protagonist’s “inner goddess” made me want to gouge my eyes out with a hot poker.
But on the other hand, I have to admit that I was never really bored by Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey’s shenanigans. The book presents a stream of consciousness that while not particularly engaging, flows naturally and is easy to follow. Sure E.L. James offers little in terms of plot and character dimensions, but the story’s plethora of sex scenes undoubtedly entertain (naturally). Furthermore, I found myself strangely captivated by Christian Grey’s disturbing S&M lifestyle and the twisted world that Miss Steel got herself wrapped up in. The unsettling yet intriguing premise had a lot of potential which James destroyed with a lack of language proficiency.
And yet I kept on reading, frequently furious with myself for sticking with a book whose craftsmanship was just so cheap. It’s hard to decipher, but the book’s trashy quality was unusually engrossing and further cemented this garbage as a true guilty pleasure.
Conclusion
All in all, I don’t regret reading 50 Shades Of Grey. However, I doubt I’ll continue with the rest of the trilogy (I still can’t believe two more of these even exist), unless Miss E.L. James decides to take the plunge and invest in some much-needed writing classes.
Nad Rating
C-
The repetitive phrases killed me!
But indeed, it is a page turner. Movie potential?
Apparently every actor and actress in Hollywood is vying for a role in the movie adaptation. I can't say I won't be tempted to watch this fascinating abomination on screen.
well well nadim, I'm not a big fan of television so i can't honestly say I was engaged while reading your TV reviews. Books on the other hand are another matter! so congratulations on a very fine first book review 🙂 great writing, great spirit and I suppose the TV lovers must enjoy your show reviews as much as I enjoyed this. xx Bouchra
Hahah Thanks Bouchra. I'll definitely be reviewing more books soon and sharing those with you. In the meantime, get hooked on a tv show or two 🙂
Such an overrated book! They are thinking of casting Ian Somerhalder as Christian Grey 😉
Haha I heard and I remembered you. You shouldn't be reading such books you're much too young 😛
Allo, Nadim.
With all the brouhaha that was going around about this book, it got me curious to read it and see what it was all about. All three books is just plain and simple s & m. The hype/publicity was the only thing that made this an intriguing must-read book. And no, it is nowhere in my book collection. What's a bit alarming is that the publicity for these books make it look okay for teens to read. Call me old fashion but I don't like the sound of that.
I love reading books, too. I gave away most of them 'cause I don't know where to place them anymore; and it is a shame letting them accumulate dust when others will be able to enjoy them.
So nowadays, its e-books for me. Well, there are still times when I crave to the feel and smell of a book. Well, I just get books that I really collect and enjoy re-reading. Weird, huh?
This book is all about the hype. Everyone I talk to has read it and it's all because of the PR campaign surrounding it and the fact that people just like to jump in on the latest fad. It really does not deserve all of its success. Very unfortunate.
Amen to that. All blah and blah. Of course, that's my own humble opinion. 🙂