Empress Theresa | Down the Rabbit Hole

Summary

In 2013, Norman Boutin self-published *Empress Theresa*, a book that quickly garnered attention for its odd writing, strange cover, and bizarre self-promotion. Despite harsh criticism for its amateurish prose, narcissistic characters, and unethical marketing, Boutin fiercely defended his work. His combative responses to reviews sparked ongoing online debates, with a dedicated group of commenters engaging in a drawn-out battle over the book's quality and his behavior. The dispute raged for years, becoming a spectacle of ego clashing with critique, leaving a legacy of absurd arguments and unresolved tensions surrounding the book and its author.

Takeaways

• 😀 Norman Boutin self-published *Empress Theresa* in 2013, presenting it as a gripping novel about a teenage Catholic girl with limitless power.
• 😀 The book’s description on Amazon was filled with poor grammar and bizarre claims about the plot and character, making it stand out for all the wrong reasons.
• 😀 Norman compared *Empress Theresa* to *To Kill a Mockingbird*, dismissing criticism and defending his book as an ‘impossible’ story of a perfect female character.
• 😀 Despite receiving mostly one-star reviews, Norman persisted in defending his book against any criticism, often in long, defensive responses.
• 😀 The main character, Theresa, was criticized for being portrayed as a creepy narcissist, constantly admiring her own body in awkward and unnecessary detail.
• 😀 Norman’s marketing tactics raised eyebrows, including leaving comments under positive reviews, which violated Amazon’s terms of service.
• 😀 A blog called *Lousy Book Covers* ridiculed Norman’s amateurish cover art, which led to Norman engaging in retaliatory online arguments.
• 😀 Norman’s defenses often included quoting Bible verses and lines from his book, reinforcing his belief in its moral superiority.
• 😀 The argument over *Empress Theresa* spiraled out of control, with a small community forming around the online discussion that lasted for years.
• 😀 The online debate was eventually cut short in 2016 when Amazon’s comment thread limit was reached, effectively locking the discussion after nearly two years of continuous arguments.
• 😀 Despite the intense and lengthy debate, Norman’s book remained a symbol of misguided ego, self-justification, and the absurdity of online literary battles.

Q & A

What was the initial reaction to Norman Boutin's book, 'Empress Theresa'?

The book was largely ignored upon release, but it attracted attention from specific individuals online, mostly due to its amateurish cover and strange description. The book’s marketing and the author's responses to criticism also generated interest.

How did Norman Boutin respond to criticism of his book on writing forums?

Norman defended his book vehemently, often rejecting constructive criticism. He compared his work to literary classics like 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and criticized those who questioned his writing, sometimes accusing them of misinterpreting his intentions.

What were some common criticisms of 'Empress Theresa' from reviewers?

Reviewers criticized the book for poor writing, awkward dialogue, unrealistic character behavior, and the protagonist Theresa's narcissistic tendencies. One reviewer described Theresa as overly focused on her appearance, which came off as disturbing and stalkerish.

How did Norman Boutin handle negative reviews on Amazon?

Norman responded to negative reviews with lengthy, defensive rebuttals. He often removed or edited comments that were critical and engaged in heated arguments with reviewers, defending his book and its quality.

Why did Norman Boutin's book attract attention beyond its Amazon page?

The book's peculiar nature, including its bizarre cover art, unusual description, and Norman's combative responses to criticism, caught the attention of various online communities, including a blog called 'Lousy Book Covers' and a post on 'The Worst Things For Sale'.

What role did the blog 'The Worst Things For Sale' play in the discussion surrounding 'Empress Theresa'?

The blog brought more attention to the book and Norman's behavior by featuring a post about his lengthy rebuttals to criticism. This attracted more people to the discussion, amplifying the ridicule and the ongoing debate about the book's quality.

How did Norman's personal background and claims affect the public's perception of him?

Norman's claims about his military service, educational background, and intelligence were scrutinized by commenters. Many people found his statements dubious, and his habit of lying and deleting posts further tarnished his credibility.

What was the main reason for the long-lasting debate over 'Empress Theresa'?

The debate persisted largely due to Norman's refusal to accept any form of criticism and his obsessive defense of his book, which led to a protracted argument online, with both sides exchanging lengthy posts and comments.

What happened to the online discussion once it reached 10,000 comments?

Once the discussion on Amazon's review page hit 10,000 comments, the thread was automatically locked. The discussion may have continued elsewhere, but no clear trace of it remains.

What did the final review in 2017 indicate about the status of the book's controversy?

The final review in 2017, while harsh, went unanswered by Norman or the original group of commenters, signaling the end of the long-running debate. However, much of the controversy and the comments remain visible as a relic of the strange clash of egos surrounding the book.