Contemporary Romance Authors Have A Big Following
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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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