

Lots of things were done so well in this novel -- the understated but powerful prose; the insights about gender, class, mental health, books; the kernel of the relationship and connection between Marianne and Connell -- but the depiction of BDSM, and abuse/trauma struck me as one by someone who doesn't understand the complexities, or is ignoring them for the sake of using BDSM as a literary vehicle. I loved the first third though and the ending!