When I heard the BlogHer Bookclub would be reading Diary of a Submissive, I chuckled and then didn’t think about it again because I don’t generally read along with the bookclub. Oops. Turns out I did read along after all. And I’m darn glad I didn’t read 50 Shades of Grey last week like I’d originally planned. A girl can only read so much BDSM before it makes her a little frazzled. OK THIS girl can only read so much BDSM before it makes her frazzled. And Diary of a Submissive packs a really strong BDSM punch (no pun intended.)
Sophie Morgan is a good writer. Maybe too good. It was, at points, a little too well written. A little too polished. A little too sterile. Subject matter this emotional, particularly when framed as “Diary of…” should have brought a little of the author’s emotion along with it. The journalist in her came through loud and clear, the real woman part — maybe not so much. Telling, considering just how much of Morgan’s life she did share.
I’ve read a good bit of erotica. And a good bit of it has been BDSM. I don’t think I’ve ever read one quite so… painful. Physically painful. The D/s relationship becomes overshadowed by the sadomasochism. It was tough to read, in places. A lot of places. And, I hated the way the cover felt so I found myself just wanting to get to the end so I could put it down and never think of it again.
I probably will think of it again, though. It left a mark. Words will do that and so will paddles.