Tying down Fifty Shades
The controversial erotic novel, Fifty Shades Of Grey.
It may have sparked world-wide controversy, but the erotic pages of the ‘Fifty Shades Of Grey’ trilogy has failed to make a lasting impression on Longford book lovers, according to the Senior Librarian at Longford’s County Library, Willie O’Dowd.
“This is a flash-in-the-pan. In two to three years it will be forgotten. The general consensus among our readers is that the quality of the writing is really bad and most who have read, or tried reading, it have been disappointed,” he said.
He added: “That said, we have four copies of each of the books in stock and there is a month long waiting list.”
‘Fifty Shades Of Grey’ is one of three erotic novels written by British author, E.L. James. The trilogy consists of ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’, ‘Fifty Shades Darker’ and ‘Fifty Shades Freed’. The series has sold approximately 31 million copies worldwide and has even surpassed the ‘Harry Potter’ series.
Despite this, Mr O’Dowd believes that it cannot be equated to the ‘Harry Potter’, or indeed ‘The Hunger Games’ phenomena.
“It’s all down to a pretty slick marketing campaign. We had enquiries before we ever had the book in stock. Also, the fact that all three (books) came out together is unusual – it makes you think it’s a one-hit-wonder,” said Mr O’Dowd.
Women of all ages have been checking out the trilogy from Longford library.
“It’s all women who are interested in it really,” said Mr O’Dowd, who admits he hasn’t ventured into the pages of the novel as yet.
He continued: “Yes, I would say this is a first in terms of it being an erotic novel that had achieved such popularity – but I put that down to the marketing. I can’t really remember dealing with anything like this before.”
Sylvia Murtagh at Grafton Court Bookshop believes that only for its local appeal her overall sales would have been down this summer.
“It’s mainly women who are buying it and yes, they are from mid-twenties to fifties. I haven’t had time to read it myself as it hasn’t been on the shelf too long – but the feedback is that it’s very badly written as English goes,” said Sylvia.
The trilogy follows the growing relationship between a college graduate, Anastasia Steele, and a young business entrepreneur, Christian Grey. It is noted for its explicit erotic scenes featuring elements of sexual practices involving bondage / discipline and dominance / submission, and sadism / masochism (BDSM).
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Saturday 25 May 2013
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