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sweetpavement's review
2.0
I'm not entirely sure what I expected when I checked this out of the library, but the book I got wasn't it. I'd read a number of reviews that warned it was darker than the movie (which I didn't particularly care for, but that has more to do with Mickey Rourke than with the film's story), so that wasn't quite what bothered me.
Ultimately I think the problem I had is that there seems to be so much of the "erotic fiction" canon that is predicated on the idea that the only ways to have kinky sex are either to be completely dysfunctional or to be silly about it. This book certainly falls into the dysfunctional side of the spectrum.
All in all though, it was fascinating to see what a...heavy influence this must have been on 50 Shades.
Ultimately I think the problem I had is that there seems to be so much of the "erotic fiction" canon that is predicated on the idea that the only ways to have kinky sex are either to be completely dysfunctional or to be silly about it. This book certainly falls into the dysfunctional side of the spectrum.
All in all though, it was fascinating to see what a...heavy influence this must have been on 50 Shades.
jnkay01's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, and Sexual content
nikkigee81's review against another edition
3.0
I've had this on my list for awhile. I believe I added it during the whole Fifty Shades fracas when it was mentioned in an article.
I'd heard of the movie, but have never seen it.
This is a quick read, sometimes nearly clinical in its prose. I suppose it makes a bit of sense, considering the emotional charge of the situation.
While labeled as erotica, there's not much here, in my opinion, that fits that description.
I did get the feeling that some of these things bordered on, and others toppled over into, abuse. And at least one thing was criminal.
Do not read the foreword unless you want certain scenes spoiled for you. It really lessens the impact. The afterword from the author's daughter is enlightening, though.
I was left wanting to know more about Ingeborg Day, which is the author's real identity. Not much information is out there. Also, what of "him?" Did he find another as willing as she was?
I'd heard of the movie, but have never seen it.
This is a quick read, sometimes nearly clinical in its prose. I suppose it makes a bit of sense, considering the emotional charge of the situation.
While labeled as erotica, there's not much here, in my opinion, that fits that description.
I did get the feeling that some of these things bordered on, and others toppled over into, abuse. And at least one thing was criminal.
Do not read the foreword unless you want certain scenes spoiled for you. It really lessens the impact. The afterword from the author's daughter is enlightening, though.
I was left wanting to know more about Ingeborg Day, which is the author's real identity. Not much information is out there. Also, what of "him?" Did he find another as willing as she was?
sendrealbooks's review against another edition
4.5
This book is incredibly well written. I cannot believe I am so late to the party. Some of the sentences constructed actually took my breath away. You'll see what I mean when you get to the highway with Alarm and Excitement. Phenomenal book!
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