"Fifty Shades of Grey" new book "Grey" (Photo : Instagram and Wikia)
Breaking all the previous records, E.L. James' "Grey," the retelling of "Fifty Shades Of Grey" from Christian Grey's perspective, has sold more than 1.1 million copies in trade paperback, eBook and audio editions within four days of its release. The book, however, is slammed widely by critics.
The "astonishing" figure is revealed by Anne Messitte, Vintage Anchor's publisher in a public statement. The book reportedly has to be sent for third, fourth and fifth printings, owing to the huge public demand, Time reported. The James' latest release was also announced as the highest pre-order of the year by Amazon.
The recent success of "Grey" has made the "Fifty Shades" series of books one of the most successful publications in history. The trilogy published earlier has sold over close to 125 million copies worldwide.
Despite receiving the overwhelming response from the readers, the critics have slammed the book as no more than a "diary of a sex offender." Although it was known from the start that this book will be Grey's version of the events mentioned in the first book, the critics felt disappointed to find that the protagonist's mind is filled only with sex and food.
Several critics have also pointed out James' poor choice of words and disturbing lines by ridiculing the same on Twitter, including the one where within moments of meeting Anastasia Steele, Grey "imagines what it would be like to shove some peeled ginger up her behind."
Meanwhile, Star Telegram suggested that the book shows a kinder version of the lead character by telling the readers of his scarred childhood, owing to a crack addict and prostitute birth mother and a family friend who sexually abused him for six years, starting when he was 15.
Although it was rumored on social media earlier that a movie adaptation of "Grey" is in the pipeline, it seems to be a bleak possibility owing to the redundant content and storyline. However, similar Grey's version is expected to follow for the second and third installment of the popular trilogy.
