Before I rip it apart, I want to make a point in saying that I DID enjoy the story and characters -- I am a sucker for a good ending. That said...
First, I am not impressed with the writing. At. All.
Fifty Shades of Grey by EL James was written very explicitly for adults, yet the writing suggests that the target audience is attending second grade.
This series is a fanfiction story from Twilight. I love to read fanfiction and there are many fanfiction stories available online for Fifty Shades fans that are MUCH better than this book in the writing style, vocabulary, and character development department. There were some large words written amongst the simple sentences, though it felt more like the author occasionally decided to flip through a dictionary, rather than writing with well thought-out intentions.
I was not very impressed with the writing/punctuation/sentence structure while reading the Twilight books; now after reading Fifty Shades, I returned to Twilight and decided that the writing by Stephenie Meyer is incredible by comparison!
My issue with my main character:
I am not going to go near the elusive Mr. Grey, though I am not sure who he should be compared to in the literacy world (hopefully not Mr. Darcy!). I have a few comments on the character development of Anastasia.
This book is from her point of view, and yet she has no clear ideas or unique thought patterns. She regularly repeats the need to "understand." Then she believes herself so in love with this man who has "done so much for her." My problem is that while she is trying so hard to figure out what she is thinking, she misses the fact that she is dealing with a messed-up relationship giving and giving herself, and then receiving nothing. Material items do not count. What exactly did he do to change her? I fail to see any change in her other than her notion of 'love'.
Yes, I know, I am harsh. Though I notice that none of the good fanfiction using the EL James characters are portraying Anastasia with such a dense, uncomplicated persona; she is supposed to be a strong, independant woman.
I have seen the movie.Yes, I am looking forward to the rest of the movies.
Did I like it?
Yes, though I did not think that Dornan fulfilled the roll as the sexy, tall billionaire when his suits did not appear to be tailored to fit him. I did think it was tastefully done. In all actuality, the filming of the movie is what prompted me to read the books in the first place.
Unfortunately this review is not very complimentary toward our society or the books that publishers are allowing young people (or adults!) to read. Why are books written so elementary, targeted to a nearly-illiterate audience, becoming soooo darn popular? No wonder the next generation cannot write and have no interest in reading... I will gladly stay in my own Austenland, believing in chivalry and happy endings after reading the intricate weaving of pretty language that sparks the imagination. (which does not include books written by EL James...)
Disclaimer: I am not an author. I am in the process of writing a few stories, however I am not an author - yet. I am, however, an avid reader.
