Amy Hunter, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – A popular novel that has gained national attention is a “horribly written” story about a pathological, abusive relationship that in no way resembles a healthy love life, according to an expert.
“Why women would pick this up as any sort of substitute for intimacy or any sort of model for a reasonable relationship, I find just sort of disturbing,” says Dr. Drew Pinksy, a relationship expert, about E. L. James’ “50 Shades of Grey.”
“Maybe I have no business commenting on how women massage their fantasy life. Indeed I don’t. But as I look at this as a clinician, the idea that women look at this relationship as anything other than absolute, categorical, profound pathology is more than I can imagine.”
The novel has topped the New York Times Best Sellers list for nearly three months. It’s created a buzz due to its erotic nature, and some libraries have kept it off shelves.
The story involves a recent female college graduate who signs a contract allowing a male billionaire complete control over her life. Over the course of the novel, she becomes versed in his tastes for sadomasochistic sex.
The lead male character is an abuse victim and a sex addict who Pinsky says systematically abuses the lead female character throughout the novel.
“I can’t emphasize enough the disturbing quality of this,” Pinsky says. “This is a woman who is na
