What trashy novels taught me about life ‘These books are “women’s fiction”, frivolous works, not the sort of thing a serious reader should bother with. Those critics are wrong.’ Photograph: Romas Foord/The Observer ‘These books are “women’s fiction”, frivolous works, not the sort of thing a serious reader should bother with. Those critics are wrong.’ Photograph: Romas Foord/The Observer They’re derided as being frothy thrillers bursting with sex and shopping. But for Sarah Hughes, these so-called ‘bonkbusters’ are filled with words of wisdom about friendship and feminism Sun 31 Jan 2021 05.00 EST It was the covers that first drew me in. Four children staring out in fear seemingly trapped behind a window, someone somewhere clearly wishing them harm; a girl with long hair in a Victorian nightdress menaced by a giant red and green plant.