As the second novel in the Fifty Shades trilogy, ‘Fifty Shades Darker’ had a fair share of recognition and fame. Though ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ received backlash for its romanticization of toxicity, the backlash from its sequel was on a smaller scale.
Story
The Fifty Shades Trilogy is a series that has garnered the praise of many. However, people do not love the trilogy for its impeccable stories. They love it for its intense sexual content.
‘Fifty Shades Darker’ has a story that does not seem to have a lasting impact on its reader. The novel contains too much sex and irrelevant subplots that make it bland.
The story starts just three days after Ana’s breakup with Christian. Then without any progressive conflict, she gets back together with him after a short conversation; this makes the purpose of the first novel useless as there is no room for exploring Ana’s time away from Christian.
After Ana gets back with Christian, he starts changing for the better and becomes a more loving person. The problem with this layout is that it is too sudden. The story does not give the characters enough time to explore their nature and faults, and it just brings the characters back together and inculcates love as the cure for the years of trauma and suffering Christian faced.
Though the story tries to explain Christian’s character change by introducing Dr. Flynn, Christian’s therapist, into the scene, it does a terrible job when Dr. Flynn admits to Ana that her being in Christian’s life has done more change than him.
There are times when the story introduces useless subplots. An instance of an irrelevant subplot in the story is when Christian goes missing and returns just one day after having an accident with his helicopter; this made the novel unrealistic as it eluded the concept of the consequences of a helicopter crash and just made Christian miraculously unhurt.
Dialogues
‘Fifty Shades Darker’ used the first-person narrative to tell its story, making the dialogues rely on the primary character, Ana. Though the novel had a better plot than its predecessor, conversations lacked complexity and consequence.
In the story, there were many times when Ana’s interactions lacked depth. For example, her relationship with Jack Hyde relied on her conversations with him. However, there was no prominent danger with Jack, as her conversations with him never included any element of intensity or fear. The story also removed all effort to make the scene of Ana’s assault realistic. Other instances of poor dialoguing exist between Ana and Leila.
Characters
‘Fifty Shades Darker’ introduced better characters into its story. It also gave its primary characters more depth as it explored what made them the way they were. The novel made other characters like Jack Hyde and Leila impact the story.
Though some characters got developed better, Ana had little character development. She was still the same person in the first novel, and even with the heartbreak from Christian, her character progressed rather blandly.
Writing Style and Conclusion
‘Fifty Shades Darker’ employs the same writing style as its predecessor. Tension drives its emotional output as its shows how Christian’s traumatic past haunts his relationship with Ana. Though the novel has a style similar to its predecessor, there is a drastic reduction in the sexual tension because the tension shifts to the antagonists, Leila and Jack Hyde.
The novel had a good ending. However, it failed to maintain a lasting impression on the reader because it removed elements of realism and provided a diluted happy-ending approach.
FAQs
Is Fifty Shades Darker a good story?
‘Fifty Shades Darker’ is a medially enjoyable novel. Though it contains many sexual scenes, it also tells a tale of hate, jealousy, greed, and trauma. People into extreme romance and eroticism will enjoy the story. However, without ignoring some errors, it will not be enjoyable.
How long does it take to read Fifty Shades Darker?
With an average reading speed, ‘Fifty Shades Darker’ will take about nine hours to complete. However, with a slower reading rate, it will take even longer.
What are some good quotes from Fifty Shades Darker?
“But I’m a selfish man. I’ve wanted you since you fell into my office. You are exquisite, honest, warm, strong, witty, beguilingly innocent; the list is endless. I’m in awe of you. I want you, and the thought of anyone else having you is like a knife twisting in my dark soul.”
“I’m anything but fine. I feel like the sun has set and not risen for five days, Ana. I’m in perpetual night here.”
Is Fifty Shades Darker boring?
Many people have stated they dislike ‘Fifty Shades Darker’ because it is boring. Though the story actively tries to create tension, suspense, and action, it falls short for many people. However, the novel sold well in the millions, showing that many people liked it.
Fifty Shades Darker Review
Book Title: Fifty Shades Darker
Book Description: 'Fifty Shades Darker' delves into Christian and Ana's reunion and their journey in giving love another chance after their initial breakup.
Book Author: E. L. James
Book Edition: First Edition
Book Format: Hardcover
Publisher - Organization: Vintage Books
Date published: October 2, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-345-80358-1
Number Of Pages: 515
- Story
- Characters
- Setting
- Writing Style
- Conclusion
- Lasting Effect on Reader
Fifty Shades Darker Review: Might Have Loved You Then
‘Fifty Shades Darker’ tells the story of Christian and Ana after their first breakup. Realizing they cannot live without each other, they give love a second chance.
Pros
- There is action in the story
- The dialogues seem lively
Cons
- Too much sexual content
- The characters are bland
- The story contains plot holes
