Mum mystified by message found in raunchy novel

A mother was left surprised and confused when she found a secret note tucked into her copy of the new book in the Fifty Shades of Grey series.

Chloe Darling, from South Ashford, bought Grey from WHSmith in Ashford High Street when it was released last month. It was not until she got home and started reading E.L. James’s latest novel, that she found the message.

The mysterious note said: “Don’t be fooled. E.L. James is selling the idea that Christian ‘can’t help’ his abusive behaviour. He can. Abuse is a choice. Instead read Why Does He Do That? by Lundy Bancroft which explains the reasons why Fifty Shades is abusive.”

Mrs Darling, 26, said of the note: “I thought it was a joke. I even asked my husband if he knew anything about it. I looked the suggested book up online, and it is a real book.”

Why Does He Do That? is by American author Lundy Bancroft, a consultant on domestic abuse and child maltreatment. The book offers women guidance and inspiration for meeting the challenges of living with a controlling partner.

Grey, on the other hand, is the new erotic romance by E.L. James and follows on from the popular Fifty Shades trilogy.

It tells the events of the first instalment, Fifty Shades of Grey, but from the point of view of Christian Grey, rather than Anastasia Steele.

Mrs Darling said she was not offended by the contents of the Fifty Shades books – which feature sexual practices involving bondage/discipline, dominance/ submission, and sadism/masochism (BDSM).

The mother-of-three said: “My perspective is that it’s a book, it’s fiction and if people don’t like what sexual tendencies are shown, then don’t read it.

“Love between Christian and Ana is still portrayed even if the book is based around dominance.

“I don’t believe that people should take offence. The note seems to say that people are taking the book literally, which isn’t true. People read it for the same purpose as any book, which is to relax and get lost in a story.

“There are more raunchy books out there which are based around different sexual preferences. I wonder if they have been targeted in the past by people that find the books offensive? Maybe so, but I enjoy E.L. James’s books.”

‘People read it for the same purpose as any book, which is to relax and get lost in a story’

What do you think? Did you, or do you know the person who put the note into the book? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk