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

What Was Your Romance Starter Book?

Darlings, Miranda here. Now, we've all got special books from waaaaay back that have graced our keeper shelves for years. These are the special books that kick-started our romance reading, and which we'll love and adore and remember fondly for the rest of time. Let me share a few of mine with you - and I'd love to hear which book(s) were The Ones that hooked you in.

A Man Called Masters by Lucy Walker, an Australian outback romance with a 'manly man' hero, was one of my starter reads. Despite the manly man it was a sweet read, and the exotic setting of the outback was irresistible for city me. I borrowed it from the school library about sixteen million times (no exaggeration), until my sister gave it to me for my birthday. Best! Birthday! Present! Ever! I still have that book, dog-eared and falling apart, but so treasured. Hmm. Maybe it's time for a reread.

Then I studied Jane Austen's Mansfield Park in school. I could not believe we had to read something so wonderful, although there were a few fervent naysayers who did not appreciate Austen anywhere near as much as I did. In hindsight, Mansfield Park was a slightly unusual book to study, but I wasn't complaining. Bliss, bliss, bliss... My sister was given Pride and Prejudice which she hated, and I loved (naturally). Is it time for English class? Fabulous! Race you there!

Then I discovered Leopard in the Snow by Anne Mather. Oh my. Does anyone remember the film that followed? That visual of her floundering around in the snow with the leopard, and the brooding hero who seemed to appear out of nowhere... Ooh. This book sent me off on a huge Mills & Boon readathon - which continues to this very day.

Bath Tangle by Georgette Heyer was next, absolute heaven to read; a marvellous gem to discover. Heyer's books sparkle with wit and verve and I delight  in reading them still. Then there was Sarah Dane by Catherine Gaskin, a colonial  Australian romance which handily tied in with my Australian History class. (I'm reading it for research, Mum, honest!) My reading life just kept getting better and better - and I've simply never stopped. I mean to say, why would I? Not when there's so many wonderful books around; we're so beautifully spoilt for choice. So marvellous.

 

So tell me, everyone... What was The Book or Books that kick-started your romance reading? What are the ones that still grace your Keeper Shelf, the ones you can't bear to part with? Old or now, please tell all!

I love to love a new little baby in the family called Atticus. Kissable! Cuddly! Fat and happy! Totally scrumptious!

I love to laugh at memories of myself when I was studying, trying to carve out romance reading time when I had assignment deadlines. All sorts of procrastinations ensued.

I love to learn what other people are reading. So, do tell!

 

Until next time, my precious pets.

Happy reading and love from Miranda. xx