Romance novels have a bad name in this new century. That doesn't stop them from being wildly popular, though, or being turned into movies that garner millions at the box office. The 'boy meets girl' scenario just endears itself to readers, no matter how many times they encounter it. Chick lit romance books are here to stay.
After all, almost every woman has grown up with the idea of meeting the perfect someone and living happily ever after. Most men dream of the perfect girl - the perfect 10, the one who will be all in all to them. There's nothing wrong with these fantasies, and most people actually have at least one relationship that seems to fulfill that dream.
It's a fact that being in love is a great feeling. People may dismiss the first rapture as infatuation - and they may be right. But who cares, when falling in love makes every single thing sparkle. Even reading about tragic love affairs - when circumstances interfere (like for Romeo and Juliet) or love is one-sided - arouse strong emotions that people enjoy experiencing.
Of course, a truly skilled writer can engage the reader's sympathy for a girl not quite so beautiful. The new wife in 'Rebecca' was a much lesser light than the glamorous first wife. However, that was fine with the hero of the tale, who only wanted to forget the drama of his time with Rebecca, beautiful and treacherous. In the time-honored tradition of Cinderella, the girl is often poor and the man rich, but there are infinite variations on this theme. It's more modern to have a penniless but admirable young man attract the eye of a rich heiress, who has learned the emptiness of her privileged life.
Rags to riches or love on a crust of bread all make for good reading. The complications that arise from misunderstandings, interference from jealous rivals or disapproving parents, or even mysterious obstacles from the murky past all serve to drag things out. Joy, then tears, then reconciliation and ecstasy for ever and ever are the usual progression. The best writers can take this formula and make believable characters and situations that fully satisfy the most exacting reader.
The basic thread is true to life, but all the rest is window dressing. This drives some readers crazy, but the popularity of romantic novels attests to the fact that many, many people love reliving their fantasies as portrayed by this boy and this girl. A new twist is always possible; witness the recent vampire blockbuster. We all were rooting for a happy ending.
Some of the classics are just this kind of reading. 'Pride and Prejudice', 'Persuasion', and 'Sense and Sensibility' never go out of style. 'Wuthering Heights' is another one that most girls love and to which critics give acclaim. "Romeo and Juliet' of course is the pinnacle, and there will probably never be an end to revisions of that one.
There are great romantic novels and not so great ones. No one should be ashamed of liking this kind of book, as long as they enjoy them. If you also want good literature, choose your authors wisely. There are many that are worth following, with fans eager to read their latest remake of 'Romeo and Juliet'. You can choose historical, vintage, contemporary, or science fiction settings. Whether it's knights in shining armor or star travelers, the interaction of heroine and hero lights the way.
After all, almost every woman has grown up with the idea of meeting the perfect someone and living happily ever after. Most men dream of the perfect girl - the perfect 10, the one who will be all in all to them. There's nothing wrong with these fantasies, and most people actually have at least one relationship that seems to fulfill that dream.
It's a fact that being in love is a great feeling. People may dismiss the first rapture as infatuation - and they may be right. But who cares, when falling in love makes every single thing sparkle. Even reading about tragic love affairs - when circumstances interfere (like for Romeo and Juliet) or love is one-sided - arouse strong emotions that people enjoy experiencing.
Of course, a truly skilled writer can engage the reader's sympathy for a girl not quite so beautiful. The new wife in 'Rebecca' was a much lesser light than the glamorous first wife. However, that was fine with the hero of the tale, who only wanted to forget the drama of his time with Rebecca, beautiful and treacherous. In the time-honored tradition of Cinderella, the girl is often poor and the man rich, but there are infinite variations on this theme. It's more modern to have a penniless but admirable young man attract the eye of a rich heiress, who has learned the emptiness of her privileged life.
Rags to riches or love on a crust of bread all make for good reading. The complications that arise from misunderstandings, interference from jealous rivals or disapproving parents, or even mysterious obstacles from the murky past all serve to drag things out. Joy, then tears, then reconciliation and ecstasy for ever and ever are the usual progression. The best writers can take this formula and make believable characters and situations that fully satisfy the most exacting reader.
The basic thread is true to life, but all the rest is window dressing. This drives some readers crazy, but the popularity of romantic novels attests to the fact that many, many people love reliving their fantasies as portrayed by this boy and this girl. A new twist is always possible; witness the recent vampire blockbuster. We all were rooting for a happy ending.
Some of the classics are just this kind of reading. 'Pride and Prejudice', 'Persuasion', and 'Sense and Sensibility' never go out of style. 'Wuthering Heights' is another one that most girls love and to which critics give acclaim. "Romeo and Juliet' of course is the pinnacle, and there will probably never be an end to revisions of that one.
There are great romantic novels and not so great ones. No one should be ashamed of liking this kind of book, as long as they enjoy them. If you also want good literature, choose your authors wisely. There are many that are worth following, with fans eager to read their latest remake of 'Romeo and Juliet'. You can choose historical, vintage, contemporary, or science fiction settings. Whether it's knights in shining armor or star travelers, the interaction of heroine and hero lights the way.
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