Grey: Fifty Shades of Grey as Told by Christian by by E L James | Summary & Analysis

by aBookaDay

SPECIAL DISCOUNT (Regularly $3.99 $2.99.) Grey is the parallel narrative to the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy by E.L. James, from Christian Grey’s point of view rather than Anastacia Steele’s. Grey is an erotic novel with aspects of romance that delves into a topical display of the BDSM (bondage, discipline, sadism, masochism) lifestyle. As a result of Grey only being told from Christian Grey’s point of view, the reader gets a strong sense of Grey’s past and his personal perspective via flashbacks, dreams, nightmares, and a constant internal monologue. The reader is told that Grey uses the “discipline” aspects of BDSM culture as a coping mechanism for the physical and psychological abuse he suffered as a child, between the ages of 3 and 4. Grey unintentionally shows stunted emotional growth and vents his frustrations with his subconscious self through “performative punishment” acts; he shows no emotional attachment to and of the women who agree to be his “submissives” until he meets and become infatuated with Anastacia Steele. Steele consumes his thoughts and fantasies before, during, and after their one-month, whirlwind relationship, and the novel ends when he commits to winning her back. Grey as a novel reads at an elementary school level; outside of Grey’s dreams told from the point of view of toddler-aged Grey, the novel is simplistic at best, with instances of word misuse and extremely vague description. The character development is nominal; when presented with an adult with deep psychological scars, the author has given themselves the responsibility to develop them into a realistic character – many people have abuse in their pasts and can relate to this topic, therefore, when a writer establishes a character with substantial amounts of abuse, they need to give an equally substantial amount of consideration to the treatment of the character because the potential readers who don’t identify with the character could potentially carry over the same superficial treatment of a fictional character to a real person. That being said, James does not allow any growth for Grey as a character within the novel, except to move him towards “consideration” of growth rather than “actualization” of growth. She cuts Grey off at the proverbial knees, by keeping as an attractive, rich man with a kinky sex life and a shadowy background. Would You Like To Know More? Download your copy today! Available on PC, Mac, smart phone, tablet or Kindle device. 2015 All Rights Reserved

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

43 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 10, 2015

Reviews

[Cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought the Christian Grey POV were better than Anastasia. It was a lot less creepy and actually provided a sentimental love story.

[Jennifer Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grey

This book is awesome. Love getting to read from both perspectives. Would recommend to any female. I have read all of the Grey books now.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and the story in Christian's eyes. Tells so much of the psychological damage he lived, as well as how his love for Ana evolved. Can't wait for Freed when it is released in June!

[Francisca Heryda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Grey, E. L. James revisits the original Fifty Shades of Grey story, but this time from the perspective of Christian Grey himself. While fans of the series might enjoy a deeper look into the enigmatic mind of Christian, the book offers more repetition than revelation.

The novel follows the same events of the first book — the unexpected and intense relationship between Christian and Anastasia Steele — but filters them through Christian’s internal monologue. This switch in point of view opens space for darker introspection, emotional trauma, and an attempt to humanize a character previously seen as distant and controlling.

Christian’s voice, however, is a double-edged sword. While we gain insight into his motivations and vulnerability, the writing sometimes leans too heavily on exposition and redundancy. Much of the narrative feels like a retelling rather than a reinvention. Fans may appreciate the familiar scenes from a new lens, but those seeking fresh substance might feel underwhelmed.

Despite its limitations, Grey succeeds in deepening the psychological layers of Christian Grey. Readers interested in the original trilogy — or in stories about power, control, and emotional healing — may find value here. For others, this book might serve more as a complementary piece than a standalone novel.

[Erika Tinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love when you can get the POV of the other MC and there is more information that rounds out the story. Not just copying the conversations. This gave us so much more of. Christian’s story and his thoughts. How he prepared for things, not always being a creep with condoms in his pockets, he actually made a thought to put them in his pocket.

[Setso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must say I enjoyed Christian's narrative.
He is a complex, funny, emotionally juvenile, arrogant and self-loathing man in love.

I had a great time reading this book.

Ps: the author's writing skills also improved in this novel.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a book full of surprise. It brings some light, and gives more details about the events

[Charlie Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book aloud with my family on my trip to Colorado. One of my new favorite books.

[Joanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Schon irgendwie nicht so gut, ist halt wie die Filme nur aus seiner Sicht. Fand die jetzt nicht so. Müsst ihr wissen.

[Risha · Rating 2 out of 5]

This part offered nothing new from my POV. It was very much like the first part revised. Would have appreciated it if this part had covered "Fifty Shades Darker" and "Fifty Shades Freed" too

[Cynthia DiNunzio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this!

[Laura Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the fact it was written from his point of view but the story was the same as the original trilogy.

[Suzanne Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved reading from his perspective and understanding him more

[Julie Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is interesting to hear the book from the opposite side, Christian's. I particularly liked when he took Anastasia's virginity, that was interestingly good. I suppose I have always wondered what it would be like for a man, and it was truly mind-blowing.

I am a huge fan of these books and of E.L. James. You are an inspiration.

[Keisha Pattinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fifty Shades of Grey from Christian’s perspective is a whole new experience. If you’ve read the original, this version adds so much depth to his character that I wasn’t expecting. Seeing everything from his point of view really made me understand him more. It’s eye-opening to realize just how much he’s battling with his past, his need for control, and the intense feelings he’s developing for Anastasia. It gives you a better understanding of why he acts the way he does, especially when it comes to his protectiveness and his emotional walls.

Christian’s character feels more layered and real here. You get to see the struggles he faces, not just with his desire for Anastasia, but with his own insecurities and fears. His vulnerability is much more apparent in this version, and I found myself feeling for him in a way I didn’t in the original. The way he starts to care for Anastasia, his deep longing for her, and the way he opens up to her over time adds a lot to their connection.

Overall, this retelling gave me a whole new perspective on the story. It’s not just about Christian’s desire or control, but about his emotional growth and how he learns to love. I couldn’t help but feel even more invested in his character, and it made me appreciate the relationship between him and Anastasia even more. If you’re a fan of the series, I’d definitely recommend giving this version a read. It really lets you see the story through Christian’s eyes in a way that feels more personal and intimate.

[Liz Ellyn]

Yes, I am a fan of Fifty Shades Grey. If you’re not a fan of FSOG, don’t bother reading this review and please don’t write any comments.

Did I think FSOG was perfect? No, but I don’t really know of any book that I would say is perfect.

Now I take a deep breath. I fear writing about what seems to be such a controversial book/series. It’s not that I fear arguing my points – I did become an attorney. But rather, for me, reading is supposed to be fun. It’s not something that warrants arguing my position. If I enjoy a book, I like to share my thoughts. If I don’t like the book I simply don’t waste my time writing about it.

All that being said, if you liked Fifty Shades of Grey, I recommend reading Grey. Christian is certainly an interesting character and is worthy of his POV story. I loved the way in which he questions his own feelings and is certainly trying to better himself. Of course, his continued inability to sense how others are concerned about him was a bit sad. I was surprised by how little he opened up to Elena. Most importantly, I liked learning how his relationship with Anastasia eased his troubled psyche.

In the end, I think I preferred Grey to Fifty Shades of Grey. Except, I don’t like books that end cliff hangers. Frustrating, right? At least in this case, the reader knows the ultimate outcome. I wouldn’t mind a little more Christian in future POV books.

[Clarissa Bennett · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh

The writer seems to have read the cliff notes on the book, and not the actual book itself. Glad I only borrowed this book.

[Butterflyinfrost · Rating 4 out of 5]

i liked it as much as i did the first book. better than the movies

[Julie Prothero · Rating 1 out of 5]

No god so over it