Soft BDSM for Vanilla Readers

50 Shades is similar to many other romance novels. Ana, the heroine in the tale, is naive and virginal, having only kissed a few men, even though she is 21. She is not the traditional "beauty" and does not see herself as such. Grey, the male protagonist, is a "dark" man, filled with secrets and a tormented soul. He does what he wants, regardless of what anyone, including society, thinks.

The main plot of the book describes their growing BDSM relationship, but not to a realistic standard. Keeping in mind the "fairy tale" aspect of Grey being a multi-millionare, the book still misrepresents an actual D/s dynamic. Grey is a demanding Dom, and is not in tune with his sub, who has no sexual experience.

The most frustrating aspect of this book, for me, is due to Grey's history and his interest in BDSM. The way he is portrayed in the book, Grey's interest in BDSM was caused by the abuse he suffered as a child. This childhood abuse is what made him kinky, and what has turned him into a Dom.

The writing style of the book is novice, at best. The story line is simple, and the characters are not well-developed, with little growth through this first story.

I'm an avid reader of romance and erotica, and 50 Shades did not hold up to its hype. I was disappointed in the story telling, as I never got completely "wrapped up" into the plot. Also, I was very frustrated by the fact that Grey's BDSM originates from his childhood abuse. As an active practitioner of BDSM, I was upset to see the author make this connection. We, in the lifestyle, receive enough scorn from those uneducated, and are often viewed as victims and abusers. Stories like this do not help the cause, but strengthen those preconceived notions that people have.

Well I agree that 50 Shades can benefit the genre of erotica, I believe it has the ability to do long-term damage to the actual BDSM community.