Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Fifty Shades Darker

      I have posted my review on  Fifty Shades of Grey earlier,  so now,  let me talk about Fifty Shades Darker,  Book Two of the trilogy by E L James.  I am aware that I was a bit unkind when I wrote my piece regarding Book One.  I know, I know!  So before I continue, please don't judge me (hehehe!).  Just to reiterate, and as a reminder, the trilogy was written for mature audiences (that means you and me, hopefully).   And so here goes my  brief summary of  Fifty Shades Darker:

The story picks up from where Book One left off:  Although Anastacia Steele has very strong emotions for Christian Grey, the physical pain inflicted on her (brought about by BDSM related acts) during their sexual encounters seems a little too much for Anastacia to take. She then turns her back on Christian Grey and returns to the apartment she shares with her friend Kate.  
 An invitation to an art exhibit leads the way for their paths to cross again. This time, they find ways and means to make things work for them. It is apparent that their attraction for one another has not fizzled out nor has it diminished by their brief separation.  In fact, their longing for each other has made them realize that they deserve another try; with both of them re-writing the terms of their agreement so that Anastacia will be spared from the physical pain as much as possible, and Christian will be trying his best to give Anastacia more -- more than just the physical, more than just passion and more than what they already have. In an attempt to give Anastacia what she requires, and to prevent her from leaving him again, Christian offers her what he thinks is the one thing that will solve all; he asks Anastacia to marry him. Any girl would be lucky enough to receive such a proposal from the handsome, rich and powerful Christian Grey, or so it seems. But Christian's dark past hovers; catching up with the present to slowly find its way to the future...
      
      Similar to Book One, Fifty Shades Darker is overly predictable with traces of The Twilight Saga (still) looming over its plot. This book  has definitely retained the blockbuster status it has easily inherited from  its predecessor. And why is this so? The story is becoming quite addictive, as Book Two slowly transforms  from an all-mature BDSM book to a romance-filled Cinderella-ish sort of thing. But don't get me wrong, Fifty Shades Darker still has all the makings of an adult book:  from its heavy sexual content, to its full use of  powerful expletives. The readers are still treated to the same wild, passionate, BDSM-filled sexual encounters courtesy of the lead characters. And if you are looking for some of those expletives from Book One, well, Book Two will not disappoint:  I just noticed how the lowly sh*t has been uplifted to holy sh*t!  My, my...  It was probably an oversight in my part for failing to notice this in Book One (tsk. tsk. tsk.).

      Having said all these, I am probably understanding now why all the books in the Shades Trilogy made it to the top of the New York Times' Bestseller list.  It's not just about the BDSM (with all that steamy sexual encounters) nor should we give credit to the non-existing outstanding literary style employed by the writer (translation: writing style  failed  very much failed to impress). The reason for Fifty Shades Darker's lackluster blockbuster  appeal could be that it is a dream-come-true of some sorts.  From an almost impossible situation in Book One, Fifty Shades Darker, ironically, has given more light instead of dark. The characters are almost there, ready to take on that elusive happily-ever-after, which,  is only allowed in fairy tales.   Oh well, I'm on my way to Book Three,  by the way.  Perhaps I'm needing a fairy tale myself (ha! mature readers like you and me need that too!).   Now,  go and judge me.  ;-)





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