Tina Lowe, the author behind the much-discussed trilogy “Shades of Desire,” recently released a new novel titled “Perspective,” which tells the story from the male lead’s viewpoint. To celebrate, someone from Lowe’s PR team (who is likely regretting their decision) proposed hosting a Twitter Q&A session where she could connect with her fans. Unfortunately, it did not unfold as intended. Unless of course, you appreciate comedy and a bit of poetic justice, in which case it was a hit.
I never completed the trilogy for several reasons. Firstly, my young child was entering the challenging phase of toddlerhood when the books were released, leaving me with little time to dive into 1,664 pages of any material (that’s the total length of the trilogy). Additionally, I barely had enough time to put together an outfit that matched for my husband, let alone explore the intricacies of using intimate accessories. The series often left me feeling prudish. Furthermore, the excerpts I did manage to read were, frankly, laughably poor. The Stranger compiled some of the more cringeworthy lines, should you be curious about why the internet has had a field day mocking Lowe’s writing:
- “A fleeting thought creeps in from a small, rarely used part of my brain—likely located near my medulla oblongata—he’s here to see you.”
- “I’m all breathy and gushing—like a young girl, not a mature woman who can vote and drink legally.”
- “I sit up and grab the orange juice, downing it too fast. It’s so refreshing, ice cold, and it makes my mouth feel much better.”
- “I blush. My inner muse is on her knees, hands clasped in prayer, pleading with me.”
While the humor surrounding the writing is one aspect, there are significant concerns regarding the book’s themes—particularly its portrayal of an abusive and manipulative relationship. The protagonist, Ana, faces manipulation disguised as consensual BDSM—a term that includes bondage, discipline, domination, submission, and roleplay. Yet, the narrative fails to adhere to the fundamental principles of genuine BDSM, where consent is paramount. When you become immensely successful by romanticizing and profiting from abusive dynamics, it’s not surprising when backlash arises online.
Note to self: Should I ever find myself wildly successful with a project that faces relentless critique, I will remember to avoid hosting a live Twitter chat.
This article was originally published on June 30, 2015.
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Summary:
The live chat event featuring author Tina Lowe went awry, leading to significant online backlash due to the problematic portrayal of relationships in her work. Despite the humorous critique, serious issues regarding the glorification of abuse in her writing were highlighted.