Rivals may be a 1980s throwback, but its focus on female pleasure puts modern shows to shame

As a reader who has traversed the pages of countless novels, I must say that Rivals stands out as a beacon of feminine empowerment and sexual exploration unlike any other. Growing up, I too was subjected to a deluge of confusing and toxic messages about my body and sexuality. But then came Jilly Cooper, who, with her unapologetic portrayal of female pleasure and desire, managed to redefine my understanding of intimacy and relationships.

At thirteen years old, I found myself confined in a cramped classroom, battling to keep my focus. My mind wanders easily, and even on a good day, biology is not an exciting subject for me.

Today’s class was intended to delve into the topic of sex education, yet it seems unengaging, irrelevant, and not particularly intriguing. Instead of discussing practical aspects or real-life situations, we are being lectured about ‘gametes’ and ‘cell division (mitosis)’. I’m struggling to understand how these concepts are connected to the broader topic of sexual reproduction.

I’m curious to learn more about desires. In our discussions at school, we often touch upon situations where someone expresses a desire to kiss you that you’re not comfortable with, but we rarely delve into what happens when the feeling is mutual – which is something I’ve always wondered. There are numerous other questions on this topic that intrigue me as well.

How does one describe the feeling of being nude with another person?

The copy of the non-official textbook I use resides at school, tucked away inside my locker. I’ve reached the midpoint in “Rivals” by Jilly Cooper, a book I believe could be the greatest I’ve ever encountered and also incredibly enlightening.

Similar to me, Cooper shares a captivating interest in sexuality. In her writings, she’s encountered numerous intriguing individuals – both men and women. These women are passionate about sex, constantly craving and imagining. They exude an alluring charm. I find myself drawn to their stylish attire, as well as their insatiable appetite for champagne.

My adversaries significantly impacted my existence, and I believe this is likely the case for countless other women. With the Disney+ adaptation now airing, I’d wager that it will bring about change for another generation as well.

Amongst the captivating cast that graces our screens, two individuals truly steal my heart. One of them is Cameron Cook, portrayed by the radiant Nafessa Williams. Her blend of natural beauty and raw talent as a TV producer has left me spellbound. Her unyielding determination resonates deeply; it’s evident she thrives in a domain traditionally dominated by men, yet she does so with an infectious enthusiasm that makes every moment a delight to witness.

Moreover, we have Taggie O’Hara, portrayed by Bella Maclean, who is characterized by her compassionate nature and constant desire to please others. However, she often finds herself in a situation where she fails to make an impact or seize the romantic opportunities she yearns for.

I find affinity for both, as their teachings resonate with me. The insights on love and desire they provide appear much more valuable in my life’s journey compared to what I learned about cell division.

First published in 1988, “Rivals” reflects the societal views of its era regarding women, sexuality, race, and social class. However, Cooper’s emphasis on and appreciation for female enjoyment remains fresh and revolutionary even by today’s standards.

In the fresh series, the initial scene establishes the mood: it’s aboard the Concorde, with Robert Palmer’s “Addicted to Love” playing in the background, and we observe a sequence of females admiring a man as he strolls down the aisle, their desires clearly visible on their faces. This series revolves around what women desire.

Although we live in a society predominantly shaped by men, its aspects are often viewed and interpreted from a woman’s perspective. I can’t help but ponder the person I might have become had I not encountered Cooper’s books during a crucial period of my life.

They showed me it’s vital to prioritise pleasure for the sake of our own happiness and joy.

Regrettably, such scenarios are seldom encountered in literature and less frequently depicted on-screen. I’m disheartened by the abundance of intense dramas where sexual acts are often linked to violence, and women are predominantly portrayed as victims.

In the previous year, I attempted to view The Idol, a series featuring Lily-Rose Depp in the lead role. The narrative revolved around a struggling pop star who willingly subjected herself to embarrassment, abuse, and suffering. The portrayal of sex in this show was far from celebratory; instead, it conveyed a sense of darkness. It appeared to imply that for a woman to experience sexual satisfaction, she must relinquish her self-respect and autonomy.

Additionally, just like Normal People, another captivating book-to-screen transformation caught my eye. However, contrary to my expectations, it didn’t deliver the sensual thrill I had anticipated.

It depicted a complex, painful relationship, fraught with anxiety and heartbreak. It was brilliant, but it didn’t show me anything I hadn’t seen before.

The competitors seem refreshingly novel, indeed. Just as the source material fearlessly tackles intricate, grim topics, this adaptation is deeply rooted in an era marked by pervasive sexism, racial prejudice, and misogyny.

Unlike other dramas that heavily emphasize despair, Rivals subtly weaves darkness into its narrative as a reflection of life’s realities. However, it consistently highlights the experiences of women centered around pleasure, joy, and amusement. It offers an insightful portrayal of the consequences when women are allowed to exercise their own agency, while also cautioning about the repercussions of stripping them of that freedom.

Intrigued by a moment where Taggie entered a room to discover two individuals involved in an intense, extramarital affair, with minimal explicit portrayal. The focus is mainly on the expression of a single woman, her face, who appeared stunned and visibly distressed, witnessing these partners betray their commitments.

Moreover, her enthusiasm is evident as well. She’s captivated and unable to divert her gaze. The portrayal is candid, genuine, and vividly true-to-life. In my opinion, this might just be the most intricate and sincere representation of female sexuality on television that I’ve encountered.

As an ardent admirer, I must confess that while some aspects of Cooper’s books may have aged slightly, her unique portrayal of women and their sensual experiences transcends time. In the past 36 years since “Rivals” graced our shelves, no other author has managed to capture the essence of female sexuality quite like Cooper does – the exquisite moments that unfold when we dare to indulge in our desires.

The book was handed to me by a friend who had obtained it from her mother’s collection. On my podcast, You’re Booked, I discuss the ‘secret’ books that were shared among students during school days, as these novels significantly impact our growth and development. There’s no question in my mind that Rivals played a crucial role in shaping me.

As a child, I was exposed to numerous harmful and perplexing views on sex, my body, and appropriate behavior. However, it was Cooper who enlightened me on the subjects of desire and humor. She opened my eyes to a realm where many women initially felt apprehensive about their bodies, eventually realizing that striving for perfection is largely inconsequential.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’d like to express my gratitude for the enlightening books by Cooper. They not only prepared me for the joy of intimate relationships but also armed me with the language and guidance to communicate my desires effectively to my first boyfriend. Crucially, they instilled in me a robust set of principles for budding relationships – emphasizing that the truly remarkable individuals are those who are courageous, humorous, and compassionate.

Today’s young women are rediscovering Cooper’s work, and I pray they’ll experience the same joy. In a time when sexual violence is increasing alarmingly, Rivals underscores that ‘no’ means no, but ‘yes’ most certainly means affirmative consent – a message that encourages us to embrace pleasure, seek it out, and find empowerment in doing so.

More sex please, we’re Jilly fans.

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2024-10-25 04:07