Monday 10 February 2020

The Evolution of Romance Novels

by Enisa Haines


Image courtesy of: commons.wikimedia.org

Image courtesy of: commons.wikimedia.org

The romance novel, focusing on the relationship and the happy-ever-after romantic love between two people, first began as chivalric romance, a narrative in verse popular in Medieval Europe about heroic knight-errants going on quests and defeating monsters.
Then in the 12th century, Chretien de Troyes, French poet, writer of Arthurian tales, wrote tales with courtly love, where knights win the favour of a lady.

Image courtesy of: commons.wikimedia.org
Though prevalent through the Medieval era, in later years when women were oppressed and considered a man's property, romantic tales with themes of faithfulness and honour were not widely popular. Then in 1740 Samuel Richardson wrote what is thought to be the first English novel and the first 'romance' novel. Controversial for its content - the growing love between a pious servant girl and her land-owning master - Pamela (or Virtue Rewarded) captured the hearts of women yearning for more from life.


Image courtesy of: commons.wikimedia.org

Romance novels rose in popularity but it was when Jane Austen emerged in the 1800s that romances became favourable and fashionable. Though considered 'literary', her tales of women pursuing higher social standing and financial security, and the 'classic romance' tales of authors such as Charlotte Bronte were a source of inspiration for readers trapped by the rules of their society.

The early years of the 20th century saw the introduction of history in romance novels, best sellers being the Georgian-era romances by Georgette Heyer. Gothic romances with added thrills and drama, where heroines experienced horrific events as they gave in to the passion of love followed, readers devouring stories such as Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca.



Harlequin's emergence in the mid-1900s with 'sweet' stories where boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy and girl get back together and live happily ever after gave rise to romance novels with strong heroines and intricate plots.



From sweet romances to sexy, historical to contemporary, young adult to romantic suspense, paranormal to fantasy, LGBT to characters with different ethnic or cultural backgrounds, romance novels abound to suit every romance reader's taste.

As the world evolves so does the romance novel and I wonder what exciting stories I will be reading. Do you?


Love to love: that I attended a three-day writer's retreat

Love to laugh: at the rain soaking the land around the retreat. Gripped by drought and fire-ravaged, seeing rain is definitely something to bring joy

Love to learn: a writer is always learning and where better than a writer's retreat

8 comments:

  1. Enisa, among all the other books I read, I always come back to romance. It's like a refresher sorbet between heavier courses. Not that romance is 'light' - wow, far from it in some instances! It's just that romance always satisfies me, always refreshes me, and I feel happy after reading. It probably makes me a better reader! Love it. Always have, always will. Keep writing, BITB bloggers, and romance authors! And I will keep reading! Love from your fan, Miranda. xx

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    1. Hi Miranda. Romance novels are what I grew up with and always read. I love how they have grown to include subgenres so there's a lot at stake before the happy ever after.

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  2. Wow! Romance novels have come a long way, haven't they? I must admit I still love the chivalric romances and Arthurian tales that I enjoyed as a teenager.

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  3. Hi Marilyn. I do think romance novels will go a longer way yet.ooking forward to seeing where they go.

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  4. Romance novels certainly have come a long way - and have evolved to reflect the changes in our society. They have certainly moved with the times! Thanks for this reflection, Enisa!

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    1. Hi Alyssa. I love how romance has thrived through the years, evolving with the changing times.

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  5. Hi Enisa, What an interesting blog! I've never really thought to look into the history of romance - I will admit I'm naive enough to have assumed it was just always around :) I am certainly intrigued to see where it will evolve to from here! :)

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  6. Hi Jayne. As a lover of all things romance, I always wanted to know the origins of romance novels. Fascinating how they began.

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