Evelyn James, the author behind the Fifty Shades of Grey saga, recently launched a new novel from Christian’s perspective titled Grey. To celebrate its release, a member of James’ PR team (who’s likely regretting their life choices right about now) decided on a Twitter Q&A session for fans to engage directly with the author. Unfortunately, the outcome was less than ideal. Unless, of course, you have a taste for comedy and a love for poetic justice; in that case, it was a hit.
I personally couldn’t finish the trilogy, and not just due to lack of interest. With a toddler navigating the tumultuous terrible twos at the time of the book’s release, I barely had a moment to read through the extensive 1,664 pages. Between changing diapers and trying to find matching undergarments for date nights, exploring the world of Ben Wa balls and handcuffs felt utterly out of reach. Honestly, the whole experience made me feel a bit like a prude.
The few sections I did manage to read were filled with cringe-worthy lines that have since become the source of much mockery. The Stranger compiled some of the most egregious examples, highlighting why so many have taken to poking fun at James’ writing. A few gems include:
- “And from a very tiny, underused part of my brain—probably located at the base of my medulla oblongata near where my subconscious dwells—comes the thought: He’s here to see you.”
- “I am all gushing and breathy—like a child, not a grown woman who can vote and drink legally in the state of Washington.”
- “I sit up and reach for the orange juice, drinking it down too quickly. It’s delicious, ice cold, and it makes my mouth a much better place.”
- “I flush. My inner goddess is down on bended knee with her hands clasped in supplication begging me.”
While the poor writing might inspire laughter, the more serious issues within the narrative are no laughing matter. Most notably, the book portrays an abusive and manipulative relationship under the guise of a consensual BDSM dynamic. Ana’s experience is depicted as a consensual relationship, yet it fails to adhere to the fundamental principles of true BDSM, primarily the emphasis on consent. When you rake in millions glorifying and romanticizing such toxic dynamics, it’s hardly surprising when backlash ensues.
If I ever find myself wildly successful for penning something that invites relentless criticism, I’ll be sure to think twice before hosting a Twitter live chat.
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Summary
Evelyn James’ attempt to connect with fans through a Twitter Q&A backfired spectacularly, further spotlighting the criticisms surrounding her writing and the problematic themes in her work. The backlash serves as a reminder of the potential pitfalls in navigating public engagement, especially when the subject matter is contentious.
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