I haven't read Fifty Shades of Grey or the other books in the trilogy and I truly don't believe in censorship. From what I have read about the first book, it sounds absurd and the quotes in the newspapers are ridiculous. It is clear, even from these sources, that it is an astonishingly badly written and silly book.
However, I wonder a couple of things. Do yummy mummies feel that they would really like to try this stuff that specifically dehumanises and damages women? I realise that fantasy, especially sexual fantasy, can be a long way from what anyone wants in reality, but what messages are they sending out? Just for the record, I once inadvertently moved next door to a masochist – and soon moved out again because the screams and the sounds of whips were so sick-making that I couldn't even sleep when they'd stopped.
Secondly, what do yummy mummies do with their copies of the book. Do they feel comfortable with the possibility of an 8–, 10-, 15-year old son or daughter picking it up and leafing through the pages (and of course they can do Kindle)? Is it okay for your 8-year-old to be worried about Daddy whipping Mummy or for your 16-year-old son to consider that this is what he will look to be doing with his girlfriends as soon as he gets a chance?
For the record, I am not unfamiliar with erotic literature as, many years ago, I typed a friend's thesis on Victorian erotica – which was quite an eye-opener.
I am just really uncomfortable with this "publishing phenomenon", with its publicity and genial general acceptance.
Shingles - Again. Have the Vaccine!
Feeling uneasy with tradespeople in the house.