Every now and then a single creation arrives, suddenly and with seismic force, to tap an unexpected vein of shared curiosity and intrigue, coming to span cultures in its popularity and becoming universally known by its name alone. Such is the phenomenon “Fifty Shades of Grey.”
Since the first episodes of E L James’ story were modestly released through an online-based publishing house in 2011, her “Fifty Shades” trilogy has grown into one of the biggest and fastest-selling book series ever, with more than 100 million copies in 52 languages consumed all over the world. The four words of its title have come to represent, to readers and nonreaders alike, a bold new emblem of mainstream sensuality.
