A lot of people look down on romantic novels and the people who write them. However, the facts show that millions of readers enjoy this type of fiction and that the demand shows no signs of slowing down. Contemporary romance authors pretty much have job security.
These variations on the 'boy meets girl' theme have been around seemingly forever, or at least since the novel became a popular format. They have been disparagingly called 'bodice rippers', and the movies made from them dismissed as 'chick flicks'. It is a fact, however, that the best of this type of book and film gross millions, which makes the criticism sound a lot like sour grapes.
The theme isn't new, either. Adam was fascinated with Eve from the first time he laid eyes on her and eventually made a life-changing, earth-shaking decision in her favor. Shakespeare raised the plot to everlasting fame in 'Romeo and Juliet' and celebrated it in comedy as well. Today the same old story involves vampires, witches and wizards, or space rovers. It fills the news, too. Where would Jackie O' have been without her men, or the pulp magazines without the loves and losses of the stars?
It isn't essentially myth and fiction, of course. History tells us that men have desired women above fortune and reason throughout the centuries. Think of the magnificent and terrifying King Henry VII, who fell for girl after girl and never flinched from murder, law-breaking, excommunication, or immorality.
Helen of Troy, Delilah, Bathsheeba, and Wallas Windsor epitomize the consequences of unbridled passion. Think what these famous sirens cost their lovers in terms of war, faith, kingdoms, and invulnerability. The women are famous but so are the men, who loved enough to risk anything to possess the object of their desire. Who is to say that the force of the passion that animates heroes of romantic fiction is too strong to be believable? Ancient tales and the annals of history tell us otherwise.
There may be hack writers in the industry, but many renowned authors have dabbled in this genre - if they haven't actually made it their own. (Remember Jane Austin.) Today many romance novels top the best seller lists, and eager readers wait with money in hand to get the next release from their favorite writers. You might be surprised at how many of these books have been written by classically-trained scholars.
No one can say that this sort of literature won't endure, either. Just look at 'Jane Eyre' and 'Pride and Prejudice', which probably will never go out of fashion. Who knows which of the books coming out this year will achieve the same recognition and status.
It is true that there is little fundamental originality in many of the romantic novels. However, just when you think that nothing else can be done with this genre, you get a surprise. Contemporary romance authors may not just get your attention and your money; they may become enshrined in your heart and your memory as well. Go ahead and try a romance novel. You just might like it.
These variations on the 'boy meets girl' theme have been around seemingly forever, or at least since the novel became a popular format. They have been disparagingly called 'bodice rippers', and the movies made from them dismissed as 'chick flicks'. It is a fact, however, that the best of this type of book and film gross millions, which makes the criticism sound a lot like sour grapes.
The theme isn't new, either. Adam was fascinated with Eve from the first time he laid eyes on her and eventually made a life-changing, earth-shaking decision in her favor. Shakespeare raised the plot to everlasting fame in 'Romeo and Juliet' and celebrated it in comedy as well. Today the same old story involves vampires, witches and wizards, or space rovers. It fills the news, too. Where would Jackie O' have been without her men, or the pulp magazines without the loves and losses of the stars?
It isn't essentially myth and fiction, of course. History tells us that men have desired women above fortune and reason throughout the centuries. Think of the magnificent and terrifying King Henry VII, who fell for girl after girl and never flinched from murder, law-breaking, excommunication, or immorality.
Helen of Troy, Delilah, Bathsheeba, and Wallas Windsor epitomize the consequences of unbridled passion. Think what these famous sirens cost their lovers in terms of war, faith, kingdoms, and invulnerability. The women are famous but so are the men, who loved enough to risk anything to possess the object of their desire. Who is to say that the force of the passion that animates heroes of romantic fiction is too strong to be believable? Ancient tales and the annals of history tell us otherwise.
There may be hack writers in the industry, but many renowned authors have dabbled in this genre - if they haven't actually made it their own. (Remember Jane Austin.) Today many romance novels top the best seller lists, and eager readers wait with money in hand to get the next release from their favorite writers. You might be surprised at how many of these books have been written by classically-trained scholars.
No one can say that this sort of literature won't endure, either. Just look at 'Jane Eyre' and 'Pride and Prejudice', which probably will never go out of fashion. Who knows which of the books coming out this year will achieve the same recognition and status.
It is true that there is little fundamental originality in many of the romantic novels. However, just when you think that nothing else can be done with this genre, you get a surprise. Contemporary romance authors may not just get your attention and your money; they may become enshrined in your heart and your memory as well. Go ahead and try a romance novel. You just might like it.
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