You may be among those who profess to despise the work of contemporary romance authors. If you read one on the sly now and then, you needn't be ashamed. Millions of others are reading these novels, although most of them do it openly. The demand for this kind of escapist reading doesn't seem to decline.
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.
Of course, this is the theme that animates Romeo and Juliet. Adam's rhapsody on first encountering Eve is the first utterance of a man is helpless before the wonder that is woman. On a more recent note, the blockbuster vampire books and movies are the same-old same-old with a new, clever twist.
History validates the reality of attraction between a man and a woman. Think of Henry VIII. He had no problem changing his whole life and his whole world if necessary to get the girl he wanted. He just had trouble liking most of his wives once he got them.
So maybe a crazy king is a bad example. The fall of Troy comes to mind, as another example of a ruler risking all for a gorgeous gal. King David almost blew it all for Bathsheba. Sampson pretty much did lose everything because of his weakness for Delilah, although he did get his moment of glory at the end. All the wisdom in the world couldn't keep King Solomon out of trouble with the ladies.
There is nothing wrong with the writing, either. Many books are churned out with little imagination and less plot development, but then others have so much appeal that they top the New York Times Best Selling List, and fans eagerly await the next book from their favorite author. Many a light and entertaining read was written by a scholar who sacrificed nothing of his or her classical education when bringing imaginary heroines and heroes together.
How many of the characters of romantic tales populate our collective memories? Lorna Doone, Kathy and Heathcliff, Jane Eyre, Tarzan and Jane all are - or should be - household names. Who knows which of the current writers will join this illustrious list of inspired fiction stars?
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.
Of course, this is the theme that animates Romeo and Juliet. Adam's rhapsody on first encountering Eve is the first utterance of a man is helpless before the wonder that is woman. On a more recent note, the blockbuster vampire books and movies are the same-old same-old with a new, clever twist.
History validates the reality of attraction between a man and a woman. Think of Henry VIII. He had no problem changing his whole life and his whole world if necessary to get the girl he wanted. He just had trouble liking most of his wives once he got them.
So maybe a crazy king is a bad example. The fall of Troy comes to mind, as another example of a ruler risking all for a gorgeous gal. King David almost blew it all for Bathsheba. Sampson pretty much did lose everything because of his weakness for Delilah, although he did get his moment of glory at the end. All the wisdom in the world couldn't keep King Solomon out of trouble with the ladies.
There is nothing wrong with the writing, either. Many books are churned out with little imagination and less plot development, but then others have so much appeal that they top the New York Times Best Selling List, and fans eagerly await the next book from their favorite author. Many a light and entertaining read was written by a scholar who sacrificed nothing of his or her classical education when bringing imaginary heroines and heroes together.
How many of the characters of romantic tales populate our collective memories? Lorna Doone, Kathy and Heathcliff, Jane Eyre, Tarzan and Jane all are - or should be - household names. Who knows which of the current writers will join this illustrious list of inspired fiction stars?
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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