When Fifty Shades of Grey by EL James hit bookshelves in 2011, no one could have predicted the whirlwind of popularity that was about to ensue. But what was it about this steamy novel that made it so irresistible, and what about those Fifty Shades of Grey toys you can now buy? Let’s take a closer look.
The Allure of Taboo
Fifty Shades of Grey explored a taboo topic – BDSM (bondage, domination, sadism, and masochism) and it’s what made the book so alluring. The story follows the relationship between a young, innocent college student named Anastasia Steele and the mysterious and wealthy Christian Grey, who introduces her to the world of BDSM. The book’s graphic and detailed descriptions of sexual acts, as well as the power dynamics between the main characters, left readers wanting more.
The topic of BDSM had been explored in literature before, but Fifty Shades of Grey brought it to mainstream audiences in a way that had never been done before. The book’s depiction of BDSM was not only sensual but also romantic and emotional. This made it more accessible to a wider audience. It also helped to break down the misconceptions and stereotypes associated with the BDSM lifestyle, making it more relatable to readers not familiar with it before.
The Fantasy of the “Bad Boy”
Christian Grey, the male lead, is the epitome of a “bad boy.” He’s rich, successful, and mysterious. He’s a man confident in his sexuality, and he knows what he wants. This fantasy of the “bad boy” is something that many readers found irresistible, and it’s one of the reasons that the book was so popular.
Christian Grey represents the ideal fantasy partner for many readers and a dominant figure in the bedroom. He’s the perfect mix of danger and excitement, something that many readers found irresistible.
The Relatability of Anastasia
On the other hand, Anastasia, the female lead, is relatable for many readers. She’s a shy and innocent college student, hesitant about the BDSM lifestyle. Her journey of self-discovery and her growing confidence as she explores her sexuality made her a relatable and likeable character.
Anastasia represents the reader’s point of view. She’s the one discovering the BDSM lifestyle and the reader’s journey is similar to hers. Her character is relatable and easy to connect with. Readers can see themselves in her shoes and relate to her struggles and inner thoughts.
The Timing was Right
The Fifty Shades of Grey phenomenon didn’t happen in a vacuum. The book’s release coincided with the rise of e-readers and self-publishing, making it easier for the book to reach a wider audience. This, combined with the book’s graphic content and taboo themes, made it the perfect storm for a best-seller.
The rise of e-readers and self-publishing allowed the book to reach a wider audience, and it was no longer limited to the traditional publishing channels. This made it more accessible to readers who may not have been able to find it in their local bookstore.
The Movie Adaptation
The popularity of the book led to a movie adaptation in 2015, which was also a box office hit and added to the popularity of the franchise. The movie adaptation brought the characters and story to life, making it even more accessible to a wider audience and added more fans to the franchise.
The movie adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey was highly anticipated, and did not disappoint. The film, starring Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan as Anastasia and Christian, brought the story to life in a visually stunning way. The film’s success at the box office further solidified the franchise’s popularity and added to its cultural impact.
The movie adaptation also expanded the franchise’s reach, introducing the story to audiences who may not have read the book. The movie adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey grossed over $571 million worldwide, becoming the second-highest-grossing film of 2015. This success further cemented the franchise’s place in pop culture and solidified its status as a cultural phenomenon.
The Fifty Shades of Grey Toys Collection
Lovehoney collaborated with EL James and they brought out a huge range of Fifty Shades of Grey toys. It covers more traditional rabbit vibrators, through to feather ticklers, restraints, ropes and floggers. All have the same dark gothic look. There’s even a Fifty Shades scented candle.
Prices start from £5.99, through to £99.99.
The franchise’s success is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of literature to connect with readers on a deep emotional level. It’s not hard to see why it was such a hit and why it still has a dedicated fanbase today.
Check out the toy collection and see which takes your fancy. What are you waiting for?
Love a bit of 50 shades x