what other books are like 50 shades of grey

Published in 1954, Anne Declos’ Marquis de Sade-influenced novel “Story Of O” (published under the nom de plume Pauline Reage) was one of the most important literary works in introducing BDSM to a wider audience -as a literary phenomenon, it was inevitable that the book would make it to the screen at some point.

Not to mention Cartensen’s fearless turn and Hermann show-stealing, virtually silent performance. A unashamedly melodramatic nod to Fassbinder’s beloved Douglas Sirk and 'All About Eve' (that film’s director Joseph Mankiewicz gets a name check at one point), the film doesn’t have that much in the way of whips and chains but is more effective than most at depicting the raw, brutal power dynamics of a sub/dom relationship, thanks in part to claustrophobic staging from the director and future Scorsese DP Michael Ballhaus. Directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder and based on his own heavily autobiographical play (a veiled version of the triangular relationship between the director, his lover Günther Kaufmann and his assistant/composer Peer Raben), ‘Bitter Tears’ follows the titular fashion designer (Margit Cartensen) as she falls deeply in love with the beautiful Karin (Hanna Schygulla) while tormenting her devoted assistant Marlene (Irm Hermann). And after he rages, he apologizes by saying that he loves her so much he can’t live without her.Some of the films listed here are obvious precursors to “Fifty Shades Of Grey,” but “The Bitter Tears Of Petra Von Kant” obviously shares DNA with the recently released “The Duke Of Burgundy” (which is discussed down the list). She spends too much time tiptoeing around him so that he won’t get angry. He has a mercurial personality and Ana can tell his mood by the look in his eyes. Christian is described as hot, intelligent, and very rich. I worry that girls who identify with Ana will be more likely to fall prey to teen dating violence. I worry that these books carry the wrong message.

I get that, but do teen girls?Īt the beginning of the media hype, most readers of the trilogy seemed to be adult women but lately, teens are reading them too.

These read like signs of an abusive, controlling relationship. He keeps her away from her friends, is jealous of her male friend, and he flies home on his helicopter when she doesn’t answer his phone calls. The part that I found most disturbing was Christian’s control over Ana outside of the bedroom.

Sure they have an upsetting sexual dynamic, but they have established consensual rules and boundaries in the bedroom. I read all three books and one thing stuck out in my mind: Ana, the main character, is in an abusive relationship with the love of her life and soul mate, Christian.

What other books are like 50 shades of grey