Fifty Shades of Grey is the first in the trilogy written by EL James. 
When literature student Anastasia Steele is drafted to interview the successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine, she finds him attractive, enigmatic and intimidating. Convinced their meeting went badly, she tries to put Grey out of her mind – until he happens to turn up at the out-of-town hardware store where she works part-time.
The unworldly, innocent Ana is shocked to realize she wants this man, and when he warns her to keep her distance it only makes her more desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her – but on his own terms.
Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success – his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving adoptive family – Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a passionate, physical and daring affair, Ana learns more about her own dark desires, as well as the Christian Grey hidden away from public scrutiny.
Can their relationship transcend physical passion? Will Ana find it in herself to submit to the self-indulgent Master? And if she does, will she still love what she finds?
Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.
I should say from the very start that if you are not aware (I’m sure everyone knows but just want to warn you) this book is all about the darker sides of sex and the subject matter may offend!
Warning over! – So, this is another book I had no intentions of reading, however the very lovely ladies at CountryWives had a competition on Twitter to win a copy so what the heck I had a go and was delighted to win! If you read my reviews before, you know I am not a lover of reading the “IT” book that everyone is talking about, as often the hype is bigger and better than the book. In this case I think it is. There is only one reason I can see why this book is the talk of the town, whether you love it or hate it – the subject matter of Sex is making it something it maybe shouldn’t be.
When I was at school as a teenager the must have book was Judy Blume’s Fovever. Ralf (you must have read the book to know what I am talking about!!) was our introduction to sex – it was a must read for all young teenage girls and whilst Fifty Shades is MUCH more graphic and in some places ridiculous and dark it will be the book that young girls read. Do I agree they should, as a Mother of a daughter, no I don’t think they should one two counts. It paints an unrealistic picture of sex and the response of a female body (I think you know what I mean – it doesn’t happen the first and every time – unless you are extremely lucky!!) and also it paints a very horrid picture of what a man can be like.
I can’t comment on whether it is written well or not as I’m not a writer and there for am not qualified to judge. I found elements repetitive and almost like the Author wanted to write about darkest sides of sex and domination and then added a story around it which was weak in places.
Did I enjoy – yes, I was addicted to it and I think that is more because of the subject matter. Do I agree it is the best book of 2012, by no means no. It is the “IT” book and I understand from both sides of what people are saying. Some love it, some hate it and I can agree with both. What I do know is that I couldn’t put it down and if I am honest, I’m a little disappointed in my reaction!
Will I read the other two books in the trilogy – probably not unless someone lends them to me. I won’t be going out of my way to buy them for myself. I have never had so many texts from friends asking if I have read a book and if I have it can they borrow it. Amazing what publicity good and bad can do for a average book isn’t it! I take my hat off to the Author – this is no way near the quality and standard of Harry Potter but as each of us have a view of the book, another handful of £’s are going into the Authors purse so I am guessing our reviews no longer matter!
If you would like to purchase a copy from Amazon, click below
Lou Graham's blog 
Hi,
If you’re wondering why this novel compelled you to read on, you’re in the majority! As you say some people love it, others hate it. But it’s all about venturing to the darker side of sex… Unfortunately, I read Anne Rice’s novel “Exit to Eden”. years ago, and there’s nothing repetitive about EtoE and the writing is second to none. 50 Shades.of Grey pales to insignificance alongside. If you really want to explore the darker side of sex as a means of control re desire built on suspense and expectation read EtoE! The romance element in EtoE stirs the senses in every way. 😉
best
F .
I was interested in this review because I had heard that the book did not match up to the hype about it, and it seems that may be the case. I don’t think I’ll be reading it.
Hi Lou, having also read just the first one and written about it, I am very interested to see what other people think. I don’t think you have to be a writer to have an opinion on whether a book is well written or not. I said some of the same things as you in my piece which suprisingly – given that my normal subject is literary-ish fiction – has turned into my most-read blogpost ever! So true what you say about the power of hype to fuel curiosity/sales….
To my surprise I thoroughly enjoyed it, not just for the obvious reason (!), but because I found the characters very engaging and credible, which surprised me. Strongly suggest you read two and three which I think are better, same problems with the writing but well worth reading!
I do have all 3 in the series waiting for me on my kindle.
As you say, girls will read this. My daughter, 17, did say that not only is it topic of statuses on my facebook but hers too!
I dont usually read hype books, but had to check this out for myself.
A friend who is a big reader say it was similiar to Jilly Cooper or Jackie Collins.
carol
I love this review Lou, it’s honest, open and basically, says it how it is. Well done.
Sue
x
An honest and balanced review. Not sure if it makes me want to read the book more or less (I hadn’t intended to, but now I’m not totally sure). I’ve heard from many people who didn’t get past the first 50 pages. But the hype is an interesting fluke, and I’m sure it is based on the subject matter, for the ‘grown-up’ Twilight audience.
Check out on Pinterest the parody poster I made of 50 Shades of Grey:
‘Oh shit, I just washed the whites with black socks’.
I haven’t read the book yet, so was very interested to see what you thought of it. I too hate being told I have to read something just because everyone else is, but at the same time you do start to wonder what the hype is all about. I liked your review, very balanced – will let you know if I agree as and when I get round to reading the book myself!
Hi Lou
Believe it or not this is the first actual review I have read of this book. Really interested to hear your reaction and I admire your honesty in admitting it had you hooked, even if you didn’t really like it. (A bit like horror then?!)
When I was young (cue sepia pictures) I’ve just remembered our ‘guide’ was a book called The Passionflower Hotel (actually a kind of school story). Looking back I think it was pretty tame compared to this, compared to anything! (Teenage guides to sex – there must be a blog post in that somehere!)
AliB
I had a similar review to yours, honest and open!
Lainy http://www.alwaysreading.net
Your reviews are becoming a regular treat. 🙂
An honest review, Lou – and now I’m tempted! Ooh. 🙂 xx
As a writer I have been pondering this – what? why? how? And honestly? Given the money and the hype I wish I had written it and was now choosing my new holiday home in France rather than looking at caravans in bexhill on Sea! A friend bought me a copy as a gift and I intend to read it when I’ve finished writing my next one. I have read lots of hype and hate about Fifty Shades… but this review is the least hysterical, clearest, well-writtten, most sensible one I’ve read. Thanks Lou!
Thanks Sue – that is very lovely of you to say x