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| Image courtesy of: commons.wikimedia.org |
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| 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.
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| Image courtesy of: commons.wikimedia.org |
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| 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
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
ReplyDeleteHi 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.
DeleteWow! 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.
ReplyDeleteHi Marilyn. I do think romance novels will go a longer way yet.ooking forward to seeing where they go.
ReplyDeleteRomance 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!
ReplyDeleteHi Alyssa. I love how romance has thrived through the years, evolving with the changing times.
DeleteHi 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! :)
ReplyDeleteHi 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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