Has the Fifty Shades of Grey phenomenon proved we’re a generation of women who have neglected our sex lives for too long? Stylist investigates

Words: Collette Lyons

For the past week, my daily commute has been an hour of slapped backsides and considerable erections. I am reading graphic sex scenes on public transport, but instead of raising eyebrows, I get knowing smiles. Because every woman on the number 55 bus is reading Fifty Shades of Grey too this is not just a book, it’s a phenomenon – 31 million copies of the Fifty Shades trilogy have been bought worldwide. The first in the series has set the record as the fastest-selling paperback of all time, surpassing its one-time rival Harry Potter. Christian Grey, the book’s protagonist, has a very different sort of wand which he uses to great effect on Anastasia Steele, in all manner of bondage scenarios. the success has been a perfect storm of heavily debated factors, but at its heart has to lie one reason – the whole world was gagging for it.

Fifty Shades of frustration?