This is a book that I've recently finished, and surprised myself by enjoying it. To those who aren't familiar with the book, it is what I consider to be an romantic erotic mysterious thriller. Written by E.L. James, it is a story written in the perspective of young Ana Steele, a college student, and a highly successful entrepreneur and businessman Christian Grey. Drawn to each other physically and I guess in some sense emotionally, the two quickly form a relationship and develop feelings for each other, which to Ana, seems one-sided. To her, good looking and extremely wealthy Christian Grey is way out of her league, and his handsome good looks and controlling and somewhat always cold and polite manner is often nerve wrecking and intimidating.
Should I stop here? I really don't want to ruin anything, but let me just say that I felt quite... shocked as I proceeded on to discover Grey's secrets and his... sexual wants. Was NOT expecting what was waiting for me in the following chapters. Intriguing, I suppose, but definitely a WTF kind of experience ;)
The book itself, I think, is written in a sort of way that lacks editing. James writes with detail, and cuts very little away from his dialogue and descriptions. At first, it was quite odd and slightly irritating, but by the end of the book I realised I kind of appreciated his raw approach in unfolding the mysterious and God-like character that is Grey, portraying him more like a person and not, how should I say, a mythical creature that are quite popular these days.
Also, the character Ana is quite... ordinary, I think, and although she has a 'smart mouth' which I depend on for most of the humour in the book, I found myself constantly frustrated at her sometimes dull reactions and her tendencies to belittle herself to Grey and when with Grey. I am, like many other female readers, more drawn to stronger and more independent heroines than those who can barely put a word through when the hero is talking or whatever. I am currently reading the second book of the trilogy, and I am glad to say that Ana's smart mouth becomes a bigger part of her otherwise meek personality, though she is still taking orders from Grey, and I am looking forward to her growth and transformation as well as Grey's.
Those who have also read this book, please respond on what you think or thought of the book/trilogy. Does it get better as I read more?
