Fifty Shades of Grey

Book One of the Fifty Shades Trilogy

By: E. L. James

Narrated by: Becca Battoe

Length: 19 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

More than 150 million copies sold worldwide.

When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too - but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success - his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family - Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.

This audiobook is intended for mature audiences.

Look for E L James’ passionate new love story, The Mister, coming April 16, 2019.

©2011 E L James (P)2012 Random House

Critic reviews

• Finalist, GoodReads Choice Awards, Best Romance

Worst Narrator

The story was good but I couldn't enjoy it listening to this narrator. I bought this so while I work out I could listen to a book rather than watch the connected TV that only gets 10 channels. I'd rather listen to stupid tv shows than listen to this author. Rented the physical book from the library and have enjoyed it much more. I'll never listen to this narrator again.

Can't stop listening

Where does Fifty Shades of Grey rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It's up there with most of my books.

What other book might you compare Fifty Shades of Grey to and why?

I'm getting the other two books

Any additional comments?

I wish they had a mans voice for mr. Gray!!!

Not what you expect-- a real love story

That shows how trust, patience and compromise can blossom into a loving, consensual relationship, absorbing the pain of an abusive childhood and a sequel predator. The author was brilliant in bringing all of the characters to believe ability.

Wasn't what I expected but overall I liked it

I first got it because all the hype around the book . Everyone was talking about it EVERYWHERE. So I felt I had to know what this was about . I defiantly was expecting a lot more OMG moments but I enjoyed it and it was enjoyable to hear . The one thing I would say that would get on my nerves was their word by word emails (to, from,subject,date,signature,etc.) and I defiantly think there could have been better words to describe LONG FINGERS over and over again. Lol with all that being said I finished it in 3 days . And I will watch the movie as well lol

Desperately needs a better narrator.

Where does Fifty Shades of Grey rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I have the books and I really wanted the audio books so I could listen to them as I drift off to sleep. But it is annoying that Becca Battoe cannot seem to find a way to differentiate between when Ana is thinking to herself and when she is talking aloud. It makes it very confusing to listen to as you don't really know what the other characters are responding to unless you are VERY familiar with the books and already know what Ana is NOT saying but thinking to herself.

What did you like best about this story?

The way Ana draws Christian into the world of loving and being loved is wonderful. I love the whole trilogy and was looking forward to being able to listen to it when my eyes are tired of reading.

Would you be willing to try another one of Becca Battoe’s performances?

No. She does not (cannot?) create the different voices needed to truly experience this book. As stated above, there is no discernable difference between what Ana is thinking and what she is saying aloud. It makes it very confusing to listen to and destroys the flow of the story when you have to mentally stop and sort out which is which.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

A lot of the book made me laugh. Some of it made me worry about them. The ending was truly heart wrenching and forced me to get the next ones just to see what happens. I am still hoping a new one will come out from Christian's POV.

Any additional comments?

If this is ever redone by a different narrator, I hope I will be allowed to trade this version for the new one. The narrating is that bad. I really hate to be so hard on Ms. Battoe, perhaps she is better in other books, but I am not willing to take that chance.

loved this cant wait for next one

The story was awesome, but thd narrator was not so good. She reads very flat like.

Directed at a female audience

What did you like best about Fifty Shades of Grey? What did you like least?

Although the plot and characters may have been interesting, the story put me to sleep. As a male reader, there just isn't anything captivating about the detailed descriptions of a "powerful" guy.

Any additional comments?

It was a promising story line, however the details bored me. Fascinating characters, promising subjects... I was listening to the books because a young lady I was dating enjoyed them. However, I couldn't seem to stay interested in the details.

left wanting

I loved the storylinde... even though I couldnt understand some of the words I got it.

Can't stop

You have to read this book alone or at home. It's keeps you excited the entire time. The movie doesn't do it justice.

who doesn't love this book

I am so excited for the next book. what a sad ending though. can't wait