There is a really excellent review of Gaijin up at Dear Author, by Janine Ballard.
It isn’t a wholly positive review, as no thorough review should be. But it discusses the themes in the book in a way most reviews of erotica or erotic romance books never bother to do. And, for a writer, that’s a real moment of pride: when someone takes the work you’ve written and gives it some deep thought.
Also worth your attention are the comments. There are some very interesting discussions there, on whether the book resembles the equivalent of a blaxploitation movie, and what is the fundamental purpose in books like Gaijin.
I can fully understand why a lot women don’t want to read erotic fiction that contains non-con. I respect their choice, as I would any reader’s choice to read any subject they choose. Hey, there are things I won’t read. Subject matter I find personally offensive. Although, if I have to be honest, there isn’t much I won’t read if the writing is good.
Still, what I did find a little disturbing was the comment question of why the book should exist at all. As if, if a book isn’t to one’s taste, it simply shouldn’t exist. That mindset scares me. I find it intolerant and fascistic.
All that being said, the review is a very thoughtful one. And worth reading for an example of how serious reviews are structured and how, when well written, they expand the discussion beyond any given book, and onto some serious and intriguing issues.
Leave a Reply