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patchworkbunny's review
DNF - 228 pages read
It’s not that I didn’t like this one; it’s not bad as far as erotic fiction goes…but because of its nature I didn’t really want to read it in public and therefore it got left behind a lot. I just sort of got half way and lost interest. There’s only so much sex I can read about before it becomes boring and at the beginning Ellie (the character, not me) makes it clear that they broke up so there was nothing to read on for. Except maybe the why, but that didn’t seem all that mysterious to me.
Ellie is typical of a lot of manipulative young women at the start although I think she was starting to feel a little used at the point I got to. She has a love of classic erotic fiction (showing us that it’s not a new phenomenon) and uses this to reel in Monsieur. Being French, it doesn’t beat about the bush with flowery descriptions of sex and is quite blunt. Indeed the language might be a bit much for those used to mainstream erotica (no throbbing members here, thank god). The use of social media in the book also shows how differently people can act online/via text and in person. Whilst Monsieur’s language is quite consistent, Ellie comes across brazen in text and vulnerable in person.
It’s not that I didn’t like this one; it’s not bad as far as erotic fiction goes…but because of its nature I didn’t really want to read it in public and therefore it got left behind a lot. I just sort of got half way and lost interest. There’s only so much sex I can read about before it becomes boring and at the beginning Ellie (the character, not me) makes it clear that they broke up so there was nothing to read on for. Except maybe the why, but that didn’t seem all that mysterious to me.
Ellie is typical of a lot of manipulative young women at the start although I think she was starting to feel a little used at the point I got to. She has a love of classic erotic fiction (showing us that it’s not a new phenomenon) and uses this to reel in Monsieur. Being French, it doesn’t beat about the bush with flowery descriptions of sex and is quite blunt. Indeed the language might be a bit much for those used to mainstream erotica (no throbbing members here, thank god). The use of social media in the book also shows how differently people can act online/via text and in person. Whilst Monsieur’s language is quite consistent, Ellie comes across brazen in text and vulnerable in person.
coffeedragon's review against another edition
3.0
**spoiler alert**
When browsing the shelves, I found this book and the summary instantly caught my attention, as well as the cover. I liked the idea of reading a book where the age difference was wide since I usually read books where the characters are about the same age. This was also the first time I had picked up an erotic novel and I thought: why not? There was a first time for everything. I was rather excited to read this book (so I started to read as soon as I got it) but found that it really disappointed me. The beginning caught me instantly by having the main character seeing the son of Monsieur (the older man she was having an affair with) and I really wanted to find out what was going to happen and what had happened between them. I also wondered if anything would arise between the two or if Monsieur's son would only be the link or the trigger. (Who was he and why was he mentioned?)
The novel was split up into 3 books, the first book was the longest out of the three). I began to lose interest near the end of book 1 because nothing seemed to really be happening. I found no problem that was being put to the front, it was just the beginnings of an affair where both parties thought that things would be fine. I zoned out in book 2, which was when Ellie (MC) started to lose contact with Monsieur, she began to see other men so that she could forget Monsieur, and her depressive state begins. My attention was recaptured near the end of Book 3, which is where Ellie starts seeing Monsieur but their relationship isn't like it was before. There seems to be a rift and it's also where they part (in body). Because of my loss in interest, I began to read book 2 and 3 in parts, rather than in chunks like I did with book 1 (i.e. 10 pages one day, 15 another, 10 again).
I really enjoyed the beginning because of how their relationship was; there was interest on both sides, the way they could engage in conversations about literature, and their way of communicating. I enjoyed the formatting and how we read what they wrote as if we were the recipients. There seemed to be a lot of life and optimism in this part. I also don't feel like it was an obsession at that point. Then Ellie began to see less and less of Monsieur and I couldn't help but start disliking the characters. I didn't like Monsieur because of how he was with Ellie; not contacting her, only calling to see about the book, and only seeing her for a quick session and then leaving once again for an uncertain amount of time. Then there was Ellie who then couldn't get Monsieur out of her life (that's when I saw it as an obsession). Her life seemed to consist of smoking, having sex with any and all guys, contacting Monsieur, and writing the book about Monsieur. Her whole life seemed pretty much destroyed; the way she spoke was more in passing, not as poetic as before, a light seemed to be missing (I think this is why I lost interest). I felt like blaming Monsieur for messing up her life but then I couldn't help but think: she knew what she was getting into and she let it affect her too much.
I'm slightly conflicted about the ending because I felt that it could have been better. Monsieur's reaction to the book was also rather disconcerting. He had been pushing her to continue writing it and then she showed it to him and he seemed rather upset/displeased. At that point where Monsieur finally came back and she began meeting with him (having sex), it didn't feel as intense or special as their earlier encounters. It felt like she was with any other guy - a disconnect. When she finally broke things off with him and left the room, I couldn't help but wonder: how will she recover? She was without him for quite some time (the summer?) and in that time I felt like she just went through life automatically. Would she be like that for the rest of her life? Did she only need some time? To meet someone new? She seemed to realize this as she was crying and watching him go.
Another thing that bugged me was the mention of characters like Charles. He was at the beginning of the book and one of the reasons the book caught my interest instantly, the way Ellie and he were connected. There was no later mention of him or anything like that. I figured that by mentioning him, he might have been important but he was dropped after the introduction. For example, Ellie mentioned Monsieur's wife and writes about who she could possibly be and how Monsieur's relationship with her could be. I found that rather interesting. Also, there was Lucy who seemed to be quite a force and during the time she was out int he country, Ellie spoke much about her and how she was a temptation for her. When they returned to the city, there was no further mention about her. It left me with many questions about what her place could have been/became later on in the future.
Overall, I think this book was alright. It could have been better but I suppose that when someone goes into a depressive state there really isn't anything interesting. This was clearly put out but I felt that there could have probably been another way to go about it without loosing the readers.
When browsing the shelves, I found this book and the summary instantly caught my attention, as well as the cover. I liked the idea of reading a book where the age difference was wide since I usually read books where the characters are about the same age. This was also the first time I had picked up an erotic novel and I thought: why not? There was a first time for everything. I was rather excited to read this book (so I started to read as soon as I got it) but found that it really disappointed me. The beginning caught me instantly by having the main character seeing the son of Monsieur (the older man she was having an affair with) and I really wanted to find out what was going to happen and what had happened between them. I also wondered if anything would arise between the two or if Monsieur's son would only be the link or the trigger. (Who was he and why was he mentioned?)
The novel was split up into 3 books, the first book was the longest out of the three). I began to lose interest near the end of book 1 because nothing seemed to really be happening. I found no problem that was being put to the front, it was just the beginnings of an affair where both parties thought that things would be fine. I zoned out in book 2, which was when Ellie (MC) started to lose contact with Monsieur, she began to see other men so that she could forget Monsieur, and her depressive state begins. My attention was recaptured near the end of Book 3, which is where Ellie starts seeing Monsieur but their relationship isn't like it was before. There seems to be a rift and it's also where they part (in body). Because of my loss in interest, I began to read book 2 and 3 in parts, rather than in chunks like I did with book 1 (i.e. 10 pages one day, 15 another, 10 again).
I really enjoyed the beginning because of how their relationship was; there was interest on both sides, the way they could engage in conversations about literature, and their way of communicating. I enjoyed the formatting and how we read what they wrote as if we were the recipients. There seemed to be a lot of life and optimism in this part. I also don't feel like it was an obsession at that point. Then Ellie began to see less and less of Monsieur and I couldn't help but start disliking the characters. I didn't like Monsieur because of how he was with Ellie; not contacting her, only calling to see about the book, and only seeing her for a quick session and then leaving once again for an uncertain amount of time. Then there was Ellie who then couldn't get Monsieur out of her life (that's when I saw it as an obsession). Her life seemed to consist of smoking, having sex with any and all guys, contacting Monsieur, and writing the book about Monsieur. Her whole life seemed pretty much destroyed; the way she spoke was more in passing, not as poetic as before, a light seemed to be missing (I think this is why I lost interest). I felt like blaming Monsieur for messing up her life but then I couldn't help but think: she knew what she was getting into and she let it affect her too much.
I'm slightly conflicted about the ending because I felt that it could have been better. Monsieur's reaction to the book was also rather disconcerting. He had been pushing her to continue writing it and then she showed it to him and he seemed rather upset/displeased. At that point where Monsieur finally came back and she began meeting with him (having sex), it didn't feel as intense or special as their earlier encounters. It felt like she was with any other guy - a disconnect. When she finally broke things off with him and left the room, I couldn't help but wonder: how will she recover? She was without him for quite some time (the summer?) and in that time I felt like she just went through life automatically. Would she be like that for the rest of her life? Did she only need some time? To meet someone new? She seemed to realize this as she was crying and watching him go.
Another thing that bugged me was the mention of characters like Charles. He was at the beginning of the book and one of the reasons the book caught my interest instantly, the way Ellie and he were connected. There was no later mention of him or anything like that. I figured that by mentioning him, he might have been important but he was dropped after the introduction. For example, Ellie mentioned Monsieur's wife and writes about who she could possibly be and how Monsieur's relationship with her could be. I found that rather interesting. Also, there was Lucy who seemed to be quite a force and during the time she was out int he country, Ellie spoke much about her and how she was a temptation for her. When they returned to the city, there was no further mention about her. It left me with many questions about what her place could have been/became later on in the future.
Overall, I think this book was alright. It could have been better but I suppose that when someone goes into a depressive state there really isn't anything interesting. This was clearly put out but I felt that there could have probably been another way to go about it without loosing the readers.
adw7984's review against another edition
1.0
I seriously don't know how to even write this review right now. I'm still in shock over what I just read. This book was high on my list in terms of expectations and man, did it fail me in every way possible.
I actually had to read this book in sections because I just couldn't get past a lot of stuff. The first 150 pages shocked me, and not in a good way. I was expecting the writing to be more along the lines of Nikki Gemmell, but instead was shocked to find it more like E.L. James, but slightly better written. I've never heard the word cunt used so much with regards to sexy times. Seriously, it's basically on every page. Maybe a thesaurus, Ms. Becker? Oops, I lied. She did call it a jewel case once. Classy.
The language is also so strange to me. Ellie and Monsieur speak so formally to each other, it is really pretentious sounding. The way they wrote to each e-mails was bizarre. Not the act of writing e-mails, but the style of language used. I can safely say that both characters were close to getting punched in the face by me....you know, if they were real. These are two vile humans that I would never associate with in real life. Neither one had a redeemable quality.
I also made the mistake of reading parts of this book while eating my lunch. Do not do it. You will gag. I've also decided that Monsieur (gross) is really into ass-play...like a lot. What grossed me out while I was eating? It involves shit on the sheets. We'll just leave it at that.
Overall, I just found this book incredibly cringe-worthy. I was embarrassed to be reading it in public and I'm sure my facial expressions gave it away.
P.S. Ms. Becker, the tampon thing has already been done in 50 Shades of Grey. It's still not sexy.
This book was provided for review on Confessions of a Bookaholic. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
hamr0014's review against another edition
1.0
I really had to force myself to finish this one. I now have a new word I can put under "words I can't stand" and that is "arse". I know Monsieur loved Ellie's arse, but it was used so much that I don't even want to look at that word anymore... :)
the_sentimentality_of_books's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
glubtier's review
1.0
I got 71 pages into this book and just couldn't bring myself to finish it. I like finishing books, even books I don't necessarily enjoy. No matter how disinterested I am in the topic, I can't go out without know what happens in the end.
Thankfully, Emma Becker saved me the time and effort by telling me what happens in the end, though that is exactly what killed it for me. What's the point of writing about an illicit romance if you tell people up front how it's going to end? The fun of this book could easily have been in the sheer anticipation of wanting to see what happens. You know deep in your heart that it can't work out, but you want to see if it finds a way.
I wouldn't bother with this one if I were you, unless you hate any sort of suspense in your reading.
Thankfully, Emma Becker saved me the time and effort by telling me what happens in the end, though that is exactly what killed it for me. What's the point of writing about an illicit romance if you tell people up front how it's going to end? The fun of this book could easily have been in the sheer anticipation of wanting to see what happens. You know deep in your heart that it can't work out, but you want to see if it finds a way.
I wouldn't bother with this one if I were you, unless you hate any sort of suspense in your reading.
katherineannpotter's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
amelie5m's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
i_sane's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
may_bc's review against another edition
Il est extrêmement rare que j'abandonne une lecture volontairement (et pas parce que j'ai perdu le fil, mais avec l'intention d'y revenir plus tard), mais ce livre a changé la donne. J'aimerais qu'il soit noté que j'ai tenu 100 pages alors que je souhaitais de toute mon âme le jeter par la fenêtre au bout de 10. Mais on ne jette pas les biens publics, par respect pour la bibliothèque.
Dans ce premier roman, Emma Becker raconte la passion d'Ellie avec Monsieur, chirurgien, homme marié, amateur de littérature érotique. Sur fond de grands quartiers parisiens, ils échangent des mails plus ou moins habilement érotiques, avant de copuler de façons diverses et variées tandis que notre narratrice insiste lourdement sur la beauté transcendante de cette relation née de la littérature érotique. Après, j'ai lâché l'affaire. Puisqu'elle pleure sa relation dans l'introduction, je suppose qu'à la suite d'insertions diverses et variées et de quelques gros mots (pardon, dirty talk fleurant le stupre), quelqu'un va dire quelque chose et leur relation va se fracasser contre des préoccupations bassement matérielles.
Pour un roman reposant soit disant sur la tension et le dur, c'est effroyablement mou et consensuel. Cette relation dépend quasi exclusivement du fait qu'Ellie est une jeune femme bien éduquée dans un milieu aisé qui recherche une perversion salvatrice. Un Bovarysme de la fesse, en somme. Ce qui ne remplit pas la case dédiée à la personnalité. Ellie est un personnage plat, servant de déversoir à banalités pour l'auteur et de réceptacle à... bref, pour Monsieur.
Plus encore, et c'est la raison pour laquelle j'ai eu du mal à garder ce livre entre les mains dès la dixième: cessez de faire de Lolita de Nabokov la base de vos perversions. Cessez d'utiliser une lecture erronée de Lolita pour transformer les jeunes filles en perverse. Et cessez de faire d'Humbert Humbert (le violeur Humbert Humbert, pour rappel) la victime d'une petite perverse. La comparaison d'Ellie, la chasseuse d'hommes mûrs de 20 ans avec Lolita, 12 ans est une aberration qui nourrit des idées dangereuses. Et même s'il ne s'agit que de deux pages du livre, cela me met hors de moi.
Dans ce premier roman, Emma Becker raconte la passion d'Ellie avec Monsieur, chirurgien, homme marié, amateur de littérature érotique. Sur fond de grands quartiers parisiens, ils échangent des mails plus ou moins habilement érotiques, avant de copuler de façons diverses et variées tandis que notre narratrice insiste lourdement sur la beauté transcendante de cette relation née de la littérature érotique. Après, j'ai lâché l'affaire. Puisqu'elle pleure sa relation dans l'introduction, je suppose qu'à la suite d'insertions diverses et variées et de quelques gros mots (pardon, dirty talk fleurant le stupre), quelqu'un va dire quelque chose et leur relation va se fracasser contre des préoccupations bassement matérielles.
Pour un roman reposant soit disant sur la tension et le dur, c'est effroyablement mou et consensuel. Cette relation dépend quasi exclusivement du fait qu'Ellie est une jeune femme bien éduquée dans un milieu aisé qui recherche une perversion salvatrice. Un Bovarysme de la fesse, en somme. Ce qui ne remplit pas la case dédiée à la personnalité. Ellie est un personnage plat, servant de déversoir à banalités pour l'auteur et de réceptacle à... bref, pour Monsieur.
Plus encore, et c'est la raison pour laquelle j'ai eu du mal à garder ce livre entre les mains dès la dixième: cessez de faire de Lolita de Nabokov la base de vos perversions. Cessez d'utiliser une lecture erronée de Lolita pour transformer les jeunes filles en perverse. Et cessez de faire d'Humbert Humbert (le violeur Humbert Humbert, pour rappel) la victime d'une petite perverse. La comparaison d'Ellie, la chasseuse d'hommes mûrs de 20 ans avec Lolita, 12 ans est une aberration qui nourrit des idées dangereuses. Et même s'il ne s'agit que de deux pages du livre, cela me met hors de moi.
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