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.
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.
Jilly Cooper's Unique Storytelling
Jilly Cooper's storytelling is characterized by her ability to combine humor, romance, and social observation, creating compelling narratives that engage readers beyond mere titillation. The podcast emphasizes that despite the sexy content, her novels subtly offer insightful commentary on the British class system and societal norms. Cooper's background as a journalist influenced her writing style, allowing her to craft relatable characters and scenarios that resonate with many readers. This blend of humor and serious themes contributed to her status as an iconic figure in British literature, and her works remain relevant as new adaptations emerge.
Cultural Shifts in Adaptations and Attitudes Towards Sex
The adaptation of 'Rivals' raises questions about evolving cultural attitudes towards sex and how storytelling reflects societal changes in consent and relationships. The podcast discusses the complexities of presenting a problematic character like Rupert Campbell Black in the modern context, navigating the fine line between entertainment and sensitivity to contemporary issues. Listeners are prompted to consider the implications of watching escapist content from an earlier era against the backdrop of today's discussions about power dynamics in relationships. This parallel reveals an ongoing dialogue about the portrayal of female desire and the shifting boundaries of acceptable storytelling in media.
'Rivals' hit our TV screens this month; it’s the first adaptation of a Jilly Cooper ‘bonkbuster,’ the 87 year old Dame who taught a generation about sex and posh people. Her uber-popular romance novels sell in their millions, so what’s behind her popularity (aside from all the bonking) and how is she changing how we see, and show, sex.
This podcast contains lots and lots of talk about sex and other themes of an adult nature.
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Guest: Sarah Ditum, writer, The Times and The Sunday Times.
Host: Luke Jones
Clips: Rivals / Jilly Cooper / Elliot Hegarty / Happy Prince / Disney+; ITV; BBC; Addicted To Love / Robert Palmer / Bernard Edwards / Island.