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The Story

'Rivals' and the cult of Jilly Cooper

Oct 24, 2024
Sarah Ditum, a writer for The Times and The Sunday Times, delves into the cult of Jilly Cooper and her iconic novel 'Rivals'. They discuss the bold adaptation of Cooper's work for Disney Plus, highlighting its playful yet risqué nature. The rivalry between characters Rupert Campbell Black and Tony Battingham reveals deeper themes of ambition and power. Ditum also explores Cooper's cultural impact on British literature, the evolving portrayal of female desire, and the challenges of adapting her celebrated works for modern audiences.
28:57

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast explores Jilly Cooper's significant impact on the bonk buster genre, particularly how her novels reflect women's quest for independence and pleasure.
  • Discussion on the adaptation of 'Rivals' highlights contemporary concerns regarding consent and power dynamics in relationships as viewed through a nostalgic lens.

Deep dives

The Rise of the Bonk Buster Genre

The podcast delves into the resurgence of the bonk buster genre, prominently represented by Jilly Cooper, who became a literary sensation in the 1980s with her racy novels. These books, known for their explicit content and engaging plots, appealed primarily to female audiences who found both entertainment and relatability within the stories. The discussion highlights how Cooper's novels were a reflection of the social changes happening at the time, as women began to gain more independence and seek pleasure and agency in their relationships. The excitement surrounding the adaptation of Cooper's 'Rivals' indicates a renewed interest in her work and the broader cultural context of bonk busters, merging nostalgia with contemporary entertainment consumption.

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