diana_raquel's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
"After today, I will have seven rights."
[Disclaimer: The following review is a gigantic one and can be very triggering].
So...I have this little personal joke about my reading taste: if a book gets the label of problematic, there's a high chance that I'm gonna like it. This isn't something that happens all the time because I've read some books that are considered to be problematic that I hate with a passion, but what do you wanna me to say? I generally like problematic books. I like them because most of them make me think about things that I usually don't get the chance to think about.
In my opinion, and I feel like it's the mainstream opinion, people are allowed to like problematic books as long they are aware of the reasons why that particular book is considered to be problematic or to have problematic elements in it. We should be aware of the reason why a book can have the label of problematic but not limit our reading experience because of it. There's a fine line between critiquing a book that you don't like because you feel that the content is offensive or misused and the metaphorical burning of books "at the stake".
So, why is Docile considered to be a problematic book? In a futuristic world but not very distant because there is a sense of reality and familiarity throughout the narrative, the debt crisis in the USA has gotten so out of control (mainly because of a system where debt is accumulated and inherited without end) that people have to be forced to sell the use of their body in exchange for the forgiveness of some debt or all of it, by becoming a Docile. And in this futuristic world, there's this drug- Dociline- that basically makes the process of being a Docile easier. A person under the influence of this drug is somewhat absent from events while their body is still present, meaning, that they will do everything that their master wants without remembering a thing when they detox from the drug.
The book follows the story of Elisha Wilder, a young man whose family has a gigantic amount of debt. On his 21st birthday, Elisha decides to enter the process of becoming a Docile in exchange for his family to be debt-free. But he plans to never take Dociline, knowing by personal experience the awful side effects of the drug. However, his debt is purchased by Alexander Bishop III, whose family is the brains and money behind Dociline. When Elisha refuses the drug and refuses to believe that Dociline has negative side effects, Alex comes up with a new plan: to turn Elisha into the perfect Docile without the help of a drug.
As you already probably guessed this has all the ingredients to be a problematic book. And it is. This book discusses and portrays sex slavery; sexual and physical punishment; graphic descriptions of rape (including POVs from the rapist); emotional, psychological, and physical abuse; manipulation, coercion, gaslighting, and alienation; graphic descriptions of attempted suicide, suicidal thoughts, and panic attacks; graphic descriptions and discussions of sexual and physical trauma; nonconsensual consumption of drugs (it's just one time but it still counts as a content warning). And, to add to the list, there are a lot of non-consensual/dubious consent elements to it. So, I really liked this book and what it was trying to do but I understand why people may not like it. This is a very heavy and dark reading that can be very triggering for some people. So, if you're considering this book just be aware of the previous list. In my opinion, you have to know these things before you read the book because, again, the reading experience can be very triggering. Do these elements appear throughout the whole narrative? No, but they do appear, especially in the first part.
If you have seen this book going around, you probably saw it being marketed as an erotic dystopian kind of book. For the most part, I agree with this choice of marketing but I wouldn't call this book an erotic dystopia. It has elements of both genres but in my opinion, this is speculative fiction (I know that this term is an umbrella term but I don't think that this particular book fits the mold of what we traditionally call dystopia, erotic, or even erotic dystopia).
Before I even considered reading this book, I saw some reviews because I wasn't sure if I wanted to read it. The plot seemed like something that I would like and the tagline of "There is no consent under capitalism" really catch my interest. So I read some reviews. One of the conversations that this book sparked was a conversation that the reading community needs to have but, in my opinion, is a little apprehensive about having. As a reading community, if something that makes us uncomfortable is used in a book, do we take the opportunity to discuss that element/issue, or do we immediately cancel the book or/and its author and engage in the metaphorical burning of books? I know that the internet can be an absolute cesspool but I feel that this is a discussion worth having.
As I said before, I feel like the mainstream opinion is that people are allowed to like problematic books as long they are aware of the reasons why that particular book is considered to be problematic. But there is a fine line between critiquing a book that you don't like because you feel that the content is offensive or misused and literary attacking and shaming people for liking that book. In my opinion, I think that we only scratch the surface of the issue and I think that this is something worth being discussed in depth.
I think that this is a good book to open or further that discussion. In any way Docile advocates, excuses, or celebrates the terrible things that it portrays. Some of the elements that I included in the list above are used as plot devices and I'm the first to say that I don't mind that things like that are used as plot devices, as long as those things make sense within the narrative. If they have a purpose and aren't used just to move the plot along or pull the readers' heartstrings (I'm looking at you Nicholas Sparks), then I actually like to see how the narrative uses those elements. Having said that, I feel that I have to say that I'm aware that the purpose of every fiction book is to, in some way, influence/manipulate the reader into a reaction. Now if you buy into the influence/manipulation or not is a totally different conversation. For instance, I don't mind the problematic aspects of Docile and I let the book influence me into a positive opinion of it because I see a purpose in using those awful things as plot devices. I didn't like A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks, for example, because, to me at least, it romanticizes a serious disease just to move the plot along and make people cry, there's no purpose other than that (or, at least, I don't see it).
So, what's the purpose of using elements of sex slavery, rape, abuse, and all of the things listed above in Docile? Well, the book is supposed to criticize capitalism and show how this economic system can be dehumanizing. At the same time, it's meant to show how far the human race is capable of going as long as the collective/society can justify it. It is meant to show the connection between power, money, class, and privilege. But this is only part of what this book is trying to do. In reading some reviews, I feel like some readers focused a lot on this part of the message, using it to justify their opinions. And that's fair. I also think that the narrative could go further when criticizing the more social-economical aspects of the system presented in the book. I don't know if some of the suggestions that I saw would be well received but they're interesting points of view nonetheless.
What really stroke me in reading this book is the other part of the message within it. The tagline of this book, as I said before is, "There is no consent under capitalism", and that can be related to the social-economical criticism done in this book, but I actually think that this is more in relation to the discussion about rape, sexual abuse, and consent that this book presents.
At first glance, some readers can look at the tagline and think "Oh, we're we go again...go on, tell us how capitalism is bad, you snowflake, cultural maxist (still trying to understand this one), socialist!". Think of this: What is the thing that we all know about marketing? That sex, and everything relative to it, sells. Think of the books, movies, tv show, etc that tends to get popular and, probably some of the elements on those are related to sex. And if you can get praised for the depiction of those elements or get the label of problematic, then the thing gets even more popular because people wanna know why the internet is talking about some book, film, tv show, etc. Fifty Shades of Grey (I know that I use this trilogy a lot but the thing keeps being a good example for everything, it's not my fault), Game of Thrones, or The Handmaid's Tale are good examples of this. The media that we consume has to have conflict in it and, often, rape and sexual assault are considered great sources of conflict and tension. Consensual sex doesn't introduce conflict, it stands outside of the classic model of conflict. Or so we thought.
If there's anything new that Docile brings to the table is that the idea of consensual sex can also be a source of conflict and may not be as consensual as we thought. Essentially, context matters. Like I said before, this book doesn't advocate, excuse, or celebrate the awful things that Elisha suffers, but, from the perspective of the universe of the book, those things can be seen as consensual. Elisha knows what is gonna happen to him as soon he chooses a master, he signs a contract and he never takes Dociline, he's aware of what's happening to him, and he can say "no". However, at the same time, we know the reasons that lead him to basically sell his body. To him, is a matter of his survival and the survival of his family. Therefore the question is: as long as your body can be sold not only as a commodity (i.e. something that can be sold for profit) but also as a way of surviving, how could any of us ever truly give our full consent? Without real equality, consent can be something that is given under coercion.
There's no other way to put it: there is rape in this book. Elisha sells himself into a system that institutionalizes rape. Nonetheless, what we encounter in this book isn't the violent ideal of narrative rape that other books, movies, or tv shows constantly show us. Instead, we watch Elisha experiencing rape as many people experience it. Rape isn't just a violent sexual act. Rape is about power and control. And we see Alex exerting absolute power and control over Elisha. Even if Elisha says "yes" and gives verbal and non-verbal consent, it's very clear that he cannot give true consent. The relationship between Elisha and Alex isn't equal, therefore, it isn't consensual.
But this book isn't only a criticism of the social-economical aspects of capitalism and about the link between rape, coercion, and consent. The narrative is split into two halves. The first one is more graphic and triggering inducing, the one that tests the limits of humanity and the limits of the reader. This is the part where I had to stop, take a break (usually to cry- yes, I'm always crying over books), and then return to the reading. However, the second part is very different from the first. It shows the reader the struggling process of recovering from trauma and becoming your own person again. It is about self-rediscovery. It's about rebuilding, regaining autonomy, and gaining equality. As the narrative walks toward an equal footing, consent becomes the cornerstone of the second part. Consent is an ongoing theme, it's something that is treated with seriousness. And in doing this, the narrative goes into uncharted territory that we don't get to see in a lot of books.
Not only the second part goes into uncharted territory in its genre, but it also goes further. Like I said before, consensual sex doesn't introduce conflicts like rape or sexual abuse usually can. Nonetheless, in a universe where rape is not only tolerated but also acceptable or even ignore or expected, recovering from rape generates conflict. In the second part, every time Elisha gives consent or makes an independent decision, he's at war with society. Saying "no" and regaining autonomy is a revolutionary act. It shows that there's still hope and that there are things worth fighting for.
If you're still with me, I would like to reiterate that I really liked this book. It's a rollercoaster. If you're anything like me, this book will make you cry, smile, shout, and gasp. It's beautifully written (the writing style isn't poetic or anything like that, but the portrait of the characters and their emotions and reactions are masterfully done) and it can be a very addicting and compelling read. It's the kind of book that will stay with you (at least, it stayed with me).
One of the best things about it is the characters. The main ones are very complex and human. They all seem very realistic, which makes them very compelling. We never know what the people around Elisha and Alex are thinking and even if we have access to the thoughts of Alex and Elisha, we never know how they are gonna react. The only criticism that I can make in relation to the characters, is that I think that the arc of Elisha could be a little more developed. We don't get to know him as his true self in the first part and I think that to know him a little more before he signs the contract would make for a more developed arc but that's me nitpicking. I love Elisha's personality and arc, I just think that Alex's was more developed.
Another thing that I think could be more developed was the side plot about the side effects of Dociline. I think that the side effects of the drug would be great content for a possible sequel, especially with the open ending that this book has, but I don't think that there are plans for a sequel. I would like to see a sequel because I'm not ready to leave this universe and characters, but that's just me.
I strongly recommend this book. It isn't one of those books that will give you all the answers but it's one of those that will make you think about the world around you. And if you are still here, thank you for reading this until the end. If you did it, I'll be sending you a digital cookie. If you are willing to read my ramblings about a book, then you deserve it!
[Disclaimer: The following review is a gigantic one and can be very triggering].
So...I have this little personal joke about my reading taste: if a book gets the label of problematic, there's a high chance that I'm gonna like it. This isn't something that happens all the time because I've read some books that are considered to be problematic that I hate with a passion, but what do you wanna me to say? I generally like problematic books. I like them because most of them make me think about things that I usually don't get the chance to think about.
In my opinion, and I feel like it's the mainstream opinion, people are allowed to like problematic books as long they are aware of the reasons why that particular book is considered to be problematic or to have problematic elements in it. We should be aware of the reason why a book can have the label of problematic but not limit our reading experience because of it. There's a fine line between critiquing a book that you don't like because you feel that the content is offensive or misused and the metaphorical burning of books "at the stake".
So, why is Docile considered to be a problematic book? In a futuristic world but not very distant because there is a sense of reality and familiarity throughout the narrative, the debt crisis in the USA has gotten so out of control (mainly because of a system where debt is accumulated and inherited without end) that people have to be forced to sell the use of their body in exchange for the forgiveness of some debt or all of it, by becoming a Docile. And in this futuristic world, there's this drug- Dociline- that basically makes the process of being a Docile easier. A person under the influence of this drug is somewhat absent from events while their body is still present, meaning, that they will do everything that their master wants without remembering a thing when they detox from the drug.
The book follows the story of Elisha Wilder, a young man whose family has a gigantic amount of debt. On his 21st birthday, Elisha decides to enter the process of becoming a Docile in exchange for his family to be debt-free. But he plans to never take Dociline, knowing by personal experience the awful side effects of the drug. However, his debt is purchased by Alexander Bishop III, whose family is the brains and money behind Dociline. When Elisha refuses the drug and refuses to believe that Dociline has negative side effects, Alex comes up with a new plan: to turn Elisha into the perfect Docile without the help of a drug.
As you already probably guessed this has all the ingredients to be a problematic book. And it is. This book discusses and portrays sex slavery; sexual and physical punishment; graphic descriptions of rape (including POVs from the rapist); emotional, psychological, and physical abuse; manipulation, coercion, gaslighting, and alienation; graphic descriptions of attempted suicide, suicidal thoughts, and panic attacks; graphic descriptions and discussions of sexual and physical trauma; nonconsensual consumption of drugs (it's just one time but it still counts as a content warning). And, to add to the list, there are a lot of non-consensual/dubious consent elements to it. So, I really liked this book and what it was trying to do but I understand why people may not like it. This is a very heavy and dark reading that can be very triggering for some people. So, if you're considering this book just be aware of the previous list. In my opinion, you have to know these things before you read the book because, again, the reading experience can be very triggering. Do these elements appear throughout the whole narrative? No, but they do appear, especially in the first part.
If you have seen this book going around, you probably saw it being marketed as an erotic dystopian kind of book. For the most part, I agree with this choice of marketing but I wouldn't call this book an erotic dystopia. It has elements of both genres but in my opinion, this is speculative fiction (I know that this term is an umbrella term but I don't think that this particular book fits the mold of what we traditionally call dystopia, erotic, or even erotic dystopia).
Before I even considered reading this book, I saw some reviews because I wasn't sure if I wanted to read it. The plot seemed like something that I would like and the tagline of "There is no consent under capitalism" really catch my interest. So I read some reviews. One of the conversations that this book sparked was a conversation that the reading community needs to have but, in my opinion, is a little apprehensive about having. As a reading community, if something that makes us uncomfortable is used in a book, do we take the opportunity to discuss that element/issue, or do we immediately cancel the book or/and its author and engage in the metaphorical burning of books? I know that the internet can be an absolute cesspool but I feel that this is a discussion worth having.
As I said before, I feel like the mainstream opinion is that people are allowed to like problematic books as long they are aware of the reasons why that particular book is considered to be problematic. But there is a fine line between critiquing a book that you don't like because you feel that the content is offensive or misused and literary attacking and shaming people for liking that book. In my opinion, I think that we only scratch the surface of the issue and I think that this is something worth being discussed in depth.
I think that this is a good book to open or further that discussion. In any way Docile advocates, excuses, or celebrates the terrible things that it portrays. Some of the elements that I included in the list above are used as plot devices and I'm the first to say that I don't mind that things like that are used as plot devices, as long as those things make sense within the narrative. If they have a purpose and aren't used just to move the plot along or pull the readers' heartstrings (I'm looking at you Nicholas Sparks), then I actually like to see how the narrative uses those elements. Having said that, I feel that I have to say that I'm aware that the purpose of every fiction book is to, in some way, influence/manipulate the reader into a reaction. Now if you buy into the influence/manipulation or not is a totally different conversation. For instance, I don't mind the problematic aspects of Docile and I let the book influence me into a positive opinion of it because I see a purpose in using those awful things as plot devices. I didn't like A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks, for example, because, to me at least, it romanticizes a serious disease just to move the plot along and make people cry, there's no purpose other than that (or, at least, I don't see it).
So, what's the purpose of using elements of sex slavery, rape, abuse, and all of the things listed above in Docile? Well, the book is supposed to criticize capitalism and show how this economic system can be dehumanizing. At the same time, it's meant to show how far the human race is capable of going as long as the collective/society can justify it. It is meant to show the connection between power, money, class, and privilege. But this is only part of what this book is trying to do. In reading some reviews, I feel like some readers focused a lot on this part of the message, using it to justify their opinions. And that's fair. I also think that the narrative could go further when criticizing the more social-economical aspects of the system presented in the book. I don't know if some of the suggestions that I saw would be well received but they're interesting points of view nonetheless.
What really stroke me in reading this book is the other part of the message within it. The tagline of this book, as I said before is, "There is no consent under capitalism", and that can be related to the social-economical criticism done in this book, but I actually think that this is more in relation to the discussion about rape, sexual abuse, and consent that this book presents.
At first glance, some readers can look at the tagline and think "Oh, we're we go again...go on, tell us how capitalism is bad, you snowflake, cultural maxist (still trying to understand this one), socialist!". Think of this: What is the thing that we all know about marketing? That sex, and everything relative to it, sells. Think of the books, movies, tv show, etc that tends to get popular and, probably some of the elements on those are related to sex. And if you can get praised for the depiction of those elements or get the label of problematic, then the thing gets even more popular because people wanna know why the internet is talking about some book, film, tv show, etc. Fifty Shades of Grey (I know that I use this trilogy a lot but the thing keeps being a good example for everything, it's not my fault), Game of Thrones, or The Handmaid's Tale are good examples of this. The media that we consume has to have conflict in it and, often, rape and sexual assault are considered great sources of conflict and tension. Consensual sex doesn't introduce conflict, it stands outside of the classic model of conflict. Or so we thought.
If there's anything new that Docile brings to the table is that the idea of consensual sex can also be a source of conflict and may not be as consensual as we thought. Essentially, context matters. Like I said before, this book doesn't advocate, excuse, or celebrate the awful things that Elisha suffers, but, from the perspective of the universe of the book, those things can be seen as consensual. Elisha knows what is gonna happen to him as soon he chooses a master, he signs a contract and he never takes Dociline, he's aware of what's happening to him, and he can say "no". However, at the same time, we know the reasons that lead him to basically sell his body. To him, is a matter of his survival and the survival of his family. Therefore the question is: as long as your body can be sold not only as a commodity (i.e. something that can be sold for profit) but also as a way of surviving, how could any of us ever truly give our full consent? Without real equality, consent can be something that is given under coercion.
There's no other way to put it: there is rape in this book. Elisha sells himself into a system that institutionalizes rape. Nonetheless, what we encounter in this book isn't the violent ideal of narrative rape that other books, movies, or tv shows constantly show us. Instead, we watch Elisha experiencing rape as many people experience it. Rape isn't just a violent sexual act. Rape is about power and control. And we see Alex exerting absolute power and control over Elisha. Even if Elisha says "yes" and gives verbal and non-verbal consent, it's very clear that he cannot give true consent. The relationship between Elisha and Alex isn't equal, therefore, it isn't consensual.
But this book isn't only a criticism of the social-economical aspects of capitalism and about the link between rape, coercion, and consent. The narrative is split into two halves. The first one is more graphic and triggering inducing, the one that tests the limits of humanity and the limits of the reader. This is the part where I had to stop, take a break (usually to cry- yes, I'm always crying over books), and then return to the reading. However, the second part is very different from the first. It shows the reader the struggling process of recovering from trauma and becoming your own person again. It is about self-rediscovery. It's about rebuilding, regaining autonomy, and gaining equality. As the narrative walks toward an equal footing, consent becomes the cornerstone of the second part. Consent is an ongoing theme, it's something that is treated with seriousness. And in doing this, the narrative goes into uncharted territory that we don't get to see in a lot of books.
Not only the second part goes into uncharted territory in its genre, but it also goes further. Like I said before, consensual sex doesn't introduce conflicts like rape or sexual abuse usually can. Nonetheless, in a universe where rape is not only tolerated but also acceptable or even ignore or expected, recovering from rape generates conflict. In the second part, every time Elisha gives consent or makes an independent decision, he's at war with society. Saying "no" and regaining autonomy is a revolutionary act. It shows that there's still hope and that there are things worth fighting for.
If you're still with me, I would like to reiterate that I really liked this book. It's a rollercoaster. If you're anything like me, this book will make you cry, smile, shout, and gasp. It's beautifully written (the writing style isn't poetic or anything like that, but the portrait of the characters and their emotions and reactions are masterfully done) and it can be a very addicting and compelling read. It's the kind of book that will stay with you (at least, it stayed with me).
One of the best things about it is the characters. The main ones are very complex and human. They all seem very realistic, which makes them very compelling. We never know what the people around Elisha and Alex are thinking and even if we have access to the thoughts of Alex and Elisha, we never know how they are gonna react. The only criticism that I can make in relation to the characters, is that I think that the arc of Elisha could be a little more developed. We don't get to know him as his true self in the first part and I think that to know him a little more before he signs the contract would make for a more developed arc but that's me nitpicking. I love Elisha's personality and arc, I just think that Alex's was more developed.
Another thing that I think could be more developed was the side plot about the side effects of Dociline. I think that the side effects of the drug would be great content for a possible sequel, especially with the open ending that this book has, but I don't think that there are plans for a sequel. I would like to see a sequel because I'm not ready to leave this universe and characters, but that's just me.
I strongly recommend this book. It isn't one of those books that will give you all the answers but it's one of those that will make you think about the world around you. And if you are still here, thank you for reading this until the end. If you did it, I'll be sending you a digital cookie. If you are willing to read my ramblings about a book, then you deserve it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Suicide attempt, Classism, Cursing, Gaslighting, Mental illness, Toxic friendship, Torture, Rape, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual assault, Slavery, Confinement, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual violence, Domestic abuse, Medical content, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Sexual harassment and Drug use
tome's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Classism, Addiction, Medical content, Sexual assault, Emotional abuse, Slavery, Abandonment, Cursing, Drug abuse, Forced institutionalization, Infidelity, Mental illness, Gaslighting, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide attempt, Rape, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, and Toxic relationship
lamegod's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Sexual content, Physical abuse, Confinement, Trafficking, Sexual violence, Emotional abuse, Rape, Classism, Domestic abuse, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Torture, Gaslighting, Suicide attempt, Drug use, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicide, Blood, Grief, Medical trauma, Chronic illness, Drug use, Alcohol, Forced institutionalization, Cursing, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, and Medical content
saraferca's review
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
First of all, what kind of ending was that? It's so predictable and people-pleasing it turned completely anticlimatic. Everything is perfect in the end and, of course, through the power of love and friendship. Also, it wasn't necessary neither the hype for that organisation nor so many explicit sex scenes (I'm pretty sure the author could have got the point across without being so explicit). It annoyed me how at the beginning the organisation was super powerful and shit just for everything to be settled in court (?????).
What I did find interesting and remarkable is the progression of Elisha's thoughts: seeing his ideas change to fit Alex's, trying to return to his old self, etc.
What I did find interesting and remarkable is the progression of Elisha's thoughts: seeing his ideas change to fit Alex's, trying to return to his old self, etc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Slavery, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
Moderate: Dementia
ashlikes's review against another edition
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Trafficking, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Suicide, Slavery, Self harm, Grief, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Domestic abuse, Cursing, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Sexual violence, Sexual content, Rape, Physical abuse, Confinement, Medical content, Toxic relationship, Torture, Medical trauma, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Forced institutionalization
Minor: Addiction, Death of parent, and Drug abuse
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