Grey
IN PHOTO: A man passes by an advertisement for 'Grey' outside a bookstore in New York June 18, 2015. Fans of British author E.L. James' "Fifty Shades of Grey" erotic trilogy clamoured on Thursday to get the first copies of her new book "Grey," a version of the first novel told through the eyes of her famous male character. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

With a dedication reading "to those readers who asked...and asked...and asked...and asked for this”, author E.L James finally gave in to fan requests and wrote a fourth book to her Fifty Shades Trilogy. This time, it's from the point of view of the mysterious and enigmatic billionaire with the title "Grey."

Released on Christian Grey’s birthdate June 18th this year, “Grey” gives fans a glimpse behind the complex mind of James’ intriguing protagonist. In a press release issued by her publisher Vintage Anchor, James claimed that this sequel was written for readers who were piqued by Grey’s “desires, motivations and his troubled past” and to tell the other side of the bestselling story.

Following the impressive sales of its predecessors, which had 125 million copies in print and were translated in over 50 languages, "Grey" is anticipated to follow suit. Already, reviews from readers have rolled in.

The 557-page follow-up was narrated with the same plotline as "Fifty Shades," only this time, it is seen from Grey’s eyes. The book also delved to the reasons why Grey turned to BDSM — his history of abuse and disillusionment from growing up with a mother addicted to crystal cocaine and his mother’s boyfriend who beat him. This backstory was presented in order for readers to sympathise with Grey, and yet Bryony Gordon of the Telegraph only felt sympathy for Anastasia, who was, in her own words, “written with the personality of a blow-up doll.”

Another review by Sarah McLean published in Washington Post claimed that this darker version of Fifty Shades was not up to par with original. Gone were Anna’s endearing quirks and bizarre way of thinking that made the trilogy entertaining.

This, of course, would not deter die-hard fans from purchasing the book and the negative press will only whet the curiosity of others into reading it as what happened in the trilogy. As the old saying goes “negative publicity is still publicity.”

For feedback/comments, contact the writer at ailyanaferrer.salumbides@gmail.com.

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