Lust for ‘Fifty Shades’ helps trilogy to top bestseller list

Almost half a million Irish bookworms — mostly women — spent more than €3m on the erotic Fifty Shades trilogy last year.

The books, which outline an S&M relationship in graphic detail and have become a worldwide phenomenon, also made English author EL James the highest-earning writer in Ireland during 2012.

According to the latest figures for book sales by consumer analysts Nielsen, the Fifty Shades series sold just under €3.5m in Ireland, including the boxed set.