I avoided it pretty well for a while, but my mother in law has been talking about it non-stop (not awkward at all, right?), and with the movie coming out I decided I would read it. I'm not going to lie, it was a little rough working through it. This book is not quite my cup of tea, which is disappointing because it could be.
You already know all the things wrong with the book: Ana's inner goddess (seriously I want to punch that weird yoga poser in the face), Grey 'gasps' every ten seconds (for a super dominant, sexy, no-nonsense businessman, his mannerisms seriously mimic that of a preteen girl -- and so do his emails), and Ana's weird emotional roller coaster (I think she's cried like ten times so far and I'm only one third of a way through the book -- girl, what are you crying about? You've known this fool three weeks just walk away). Some things are more debatable: yeah, okay, the tampon scene was weird. The BDSM is not really how BDSM works.
But it didn't become a best seller for absolutely no reason, and there are lessons this book can teach writers about the new romance scene that has emerged in its wake.
Focus on the Characters
People don't read a romance novel to be swept away by the plot. Well, okay, maybe I do. Maybe you do. But there are a significant amount of people that prefer to read a story that completely explores the emotional journey between two characters. That cool side story you created? A reader might have just skimmed it. Be judicious: no, you don't want the characters to seem like they have no lives outside of each other, but what does each scene reveal about the character? Is it really necessary?
Amp Up the Tension
In every single scene there is a problem. Is it a stupid problem? That's debatable (although I lean towards yes). She's incompatible with the man she loves, and her running narration is always focused on this problem. Annoying for some, and exhausting for me to read, but based on the thousands upon thousands of sales, something here was working.
Inner Voice
Ana has a clear voice. Now, is it slightly British when she supposedly lives in Oregon? Sure. Does she say 'Holy crap' more than my Wisconsonite aunt? It's probably a draw. If she says 'Jeez' one more time am I going to throw my Kindle across the room? You get the point. But I think the book is popular because she is annoying. I can't stand her and that means she has an actual personality! I've read more than a few reviews that claim she is a blank slate that makes it easier for a reader to insert themselves into the novel, but I don't think so. I think enough people actually just like her.
People Were Ready For Something New
The BDSM-lite came around at the right cultural moment. People were sick of reading the same love scenes over and over again with different character names inserted. Frankly, they wanted something a little weird, and Fifty Shades is definitely not typical -- it even does away with your normal Happily Ever After ending. At a time when the majority of romance novels were written in the third person, this is written in first (and in the present tense, to boot).
Sexy Hero
Even I was a little turned on by Mr. Grey -- until he opened his mouth and gasped. What could have been. There's a reason this little book has spawned a huge collection of billionaire smut. Who doesn't want a man who's mysterious, reserved, maybe a little dangerous, gorgeous, and beyond rich? Hell, forget the kinky sex, I was left fantasizing about a man buying me a red Audi.
So, there you have it. Is Fifty Shades of Grey a good book? Hey, I'm not going to go all sour grapes on something that people clearly enjoy. It's not for me, but there are definitely elements that influenced its popularity, and any erotic author worth her salt should be taking notes.
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