Dude not realizing this was written by someone in the 21st century, about a time period that doesn't exist irl. This series is fictitious, and even if it wasn't, time period does not excuse abuse. The man in this series is the villain, and no excuses should be supplied on the basis of, it was a different time period.
If the plot failed to show how wrong this was, as it kinda does in more than a few instances, it is wrong. Just because it happened before, does not excuse it as ok. That is the same as say, well depicting child marriage is fine, cause it was done back then, whilst failing to make it known how bad that actually is for the fucking actual child in the story.
Depicting the FL as having instances of crushing on the ML, completely ignores the actual threats and abuse he has caused her. It is also insanely inaccurate as to how stolckholm works. Random fucking people can't just show up and have you immediately in love with them like that.
Actual abusers use love bombing first to get you comfortable with them. Once you are, they then begin to test and push your boundaries. They will then start to convince you that your family and friends can't be trusted. It is a process that takes years. I would fucking know, I have been through it.
So when we make stories that depict characters that are dangerous when seen irl, it is important to depict them that way. Because some little teen somewhere may click on this title before any others, and end up thinking that is normal and OK behavior. It being a different time and being "normal" doesn't excuse anything.
I can't be certain about that yet. I usually save my takes for the end, but the ML is an abusive piece of garbage, and it sickens me how the FL still has moments where she is taken by his looks, despite the abuse! Shy is one thing, but being attracted to someone who hurt you is another.
I really am hoping that this isn't some, oh he loves her so much, and that's why he thought it was ok to threaten her and remove her ability to walk on her own, so she would be forced to either bare the pain or lean on him. Cause that's fucking love somehow!
I actually honestly wish that the, it's fantasy, therefore no one will learn anything from it, was a true fucking statement. And then I look over my shoulder and realize flat earthers are a thing, and you should not have that much faith in humanity.
Also, because I was being abused as a kid, I know how easy it can be to read something and not think to hard on how that would play out irl, and that came with consequences. There already isn't a great amount of representation for people with disabilities, which is why the messaging here is important. People who abuse others are abusers, and should be depicted properly as the fuckwads they are. It is that simple.
Acting as if the ML actions don't matter, threatening someone's life, causing the person physical pain, forcing them into a situation where they have to marry you by using your literal power over them, and the rape that would follow that are all pretty fucking bad. And before anyone argues, yes, any "sex" after being threatened into a relationship, is rape. I know I haven't gotten there yet, but considering the 1st chapter that shows her running away whilst pregnant, I have to go on what has been shown thus far regarding his character, and come to the obvious conclusion of rape. The stolckholm will be strong in this one.
You're good! Everyone is allowed to say how something makes them feel. I specifically spoke up, because I have had the displeasure of being severely abused, and used that to come to my conclusions. I am always chill to talk about it and explain my side, and I like engaging in others thoughts as well. It may not change my opinion, but you never know!
Also, I appreciate the well wishes! I am actually a pretty positive person most of the time, I'm resilient like that, so I am gonna make it through this! I win everyday! If I am still here, I have won!
I am 5.5 chapters in, and this guy nneeds to jump off a cliff. For anyone who doesn't fucking know, if someone takes away a medical device that allows you to move about freely, that is imprisonment and abuse. If they imply that if something bad that happens to you is your fault, that is abuse. If they insult you or pressure you into doing things that cause you physical, mental or emotional pain, that is abuse. And if someone implies that having a disability means your life is war, that is ableist and abuse.
The ML is genuinely disgusting, and even though I am only 5 chapters in, this already reads as disability porn. Like, if he tries to take your cane, hit him with it. If he forces you to walk without it, so he can have you cling to him, step on a bitches feet. If he calls you a nuisance for being disabled, ask him what he thinks of his warriors when they lose limbs, eyes, ears and so on. This man is garbage. And it is equally garbage to portray a disabled person as being incapable of standing up for themselves. Fucking pathetic.