Five Reasons Why We LOVE Romance!

Romance novels have long held a special place in the hearts of readers worldwide, transcending cultural and temporal boundaries. From classic tales like Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice to contemporary bestsellers like Colleen Hoover's It Ends With Us, romance novels offer readers an array of emotional experiences, escapism, and reflections on love and relationships. The reasons why we read romance novels are diverse and deeply intertwined with human nature, the need for emotional connection, and the desire for hope and happiness.

 

Emotional Engagement
At the heart of romance novels is the emotional journey of the characters, often leading to profound connections between the readers and the story. Readers are drawn to the intense emotions that romance novels evoke—passion, longing, heartbreak, and joy. These novels provide a safe space to explore complex emotions, allowing readers to experience the highs and lows of love without facing real-life consequences. Through the characters' experiences, readers can reflect on their own emotions and relationships, finding solace, understanding, or even catharsis.

Three of the most powerful and frequently referred to as ‘classics’ in this sector have interestingly been made into films, which gives an idea of their impact:

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, is a contemporary romance tells the story of Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters, two teenagers who fall in love while battling cancer. The novel is renowned for its deeply emotional exploration of love, loss, and the fragility of life, resonating with readers through its heart-wrenching narrative – I read it as an adult with teenage children and I bawled!

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes follows the unlikely romance between Louisa Clark, a quirky and optimistic young woman, and Will Traynor, a once-adventurous man who becomes quadriplegic after an accident. Addressing themes of love, personal choice, and the ethics of assisted suicide, it is an intelligent read, which leaves readers emotionally invested in the characters' fates.

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks is HUGE, both as a book and a film! The enduring love story of Noah Calhoun and Allie Nelson spans decades and their relationship is filled with passion, heartbreak, and enduring devotion. A total tear-jerker, amongst other massive tear jerkers!

 

Connection
Romance novels also foster a sense of connection between readers and the characters. As readers follow the characters’ journey towards love, they often see parts of themselves reflected in their struggles, hopes, and dreams. This identification with characters can be particularly comforting, as it reassures readers that they are not alone in their experiences of love and desire. In this way, romance novels offer both emotional engagement and a sense of community, where readers feel understood and validated.

The two I have picked here are maybe not what you image romance books to be, because they seem almost to be about something else, but they most definitely are!

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows is set in post-World War II England and the island of Guernsey and unfolds through letters exchanged between Juliet Ashton, a London writer, and the residents of Guernsey. It captures beautifully the power of community as Juliet becomes increasingly connected to the islanders, especially through her growing bond with Dawsey Adams.

The Bride Test by Helen Hoang, this contemporary romance centres on Khai Diep, a young man with autism, and Esme Tran, a woman brought from Vietnam to California by Khai's mother to become his potential bride. As Esme navigates her new life and Khai learns to embrace his feelings, the story explores the importance of familial support, cultural identity, and the ways in which community ties can help individuals grow and find love. We don’t have The Bride Test in at the moment, but The Kiss Quotient: TikTok Made Me Buy It, by the same author is another great example of how romance can be fun AND be about other things … including community!

 

Escapism and Fantasy
One of the primary reasons people turn to romance novels is for escapism. Life can be challenging, filled with stress, uncertainty, and disappointment. Romance novels provide a much-needed escape from the pressures of everyday life, offering a world where love conquers all, conflicts are resolved, and happiness is attainable. The predictability of the happy ending, a staple of the genre, is comforting to many readers who crave a sense of stability and assurance that things will turn out well in the end.

The fantasy element of romance novels is also a significant draw. Whether set in a historical era, a far-off land, or a contemporary setting that is just a little more glamorous or idealized than real life, these stories allow readers to immerse themselves in a world that is often more romantic and exciting than their own. The perfect partner, the grand gestures of love, and the thrilling adventures that accompany many romance novels fulfill the readers' fantasies and desires, offering a taste of a world where love is always just around the corner.

A fantastic example of both escapism via historical romance fiction and fantasy is the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. Set in 18th-century Scotland, they follow the story of Claire Randall, a World War II nurse who is mysteriously transported back in time from 1945 to 1743, where she becomes entangled in the Jacobite risings and falls in love with Jamie Fraser, a dashing and honourable Highland warrior. The series blends romance with historical fact with its detailed portrayals of Scottish history, culture, and the political tensions of the time, as well as time travelling lovers!

The Brigerton novels by Julia Quinn, though without the time travelling and more licence taken with historical fact, fit in this category pretty comfortably too!

For pure perfection in Romtasy though, you probably want to look at the books of Sarah J. Maas, starting with her A Court of Thorns and Roses series, affectionately shorted to ACOTR . These novels, follow Feyre Archeron, a mortal huntress, who is drawn into the world of the fae after killing a wolf that turns out to be a faerie. She is taken to the Spring Court, where she becomes entangled with the High Lord, Tamlin, leading to a complex, passionate romance, that is respectful of the mores of fantasy with a richly developed world and strong character development.

 

Exploration of Relationships and Identity
Romance novels are not just about love between two people; they also explore relationships in a broader sense—friendships, family dynamics, and the connection between love and self-identity. Through the lens of romance, these novels examine how love can influence and shape a person’s sense of self and their relationships with others. They often address themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the balance between love and independence.

For many readers, especially women, romance novels provide a space to explore gender roles, sexuality, and the dynamics of power within relationships. The genre has evolved over the years to include diverse perspectives, reflecting the changing societal attitudes towards love, gender, and identity. Readers may turn to romance novels to see their own identities and experiences represented, or to gain insight into different ways of living and loving.

Picking only two here was difficult, as over the last few years there has been some really excellent and groundbreaking work produced. I went with two that are perceived as ‘mainstream’, which in many ways is progress - exploring gender and sexuality shouldn’t be ‘niche’ and in a separate section of the library, it touches us all.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston is a contemporary romance novel focussing on the relationship between Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, and Prince Henry of Wales. The story explores themes of bisexuality, LGBTQ+ identity, and the pressures of public life. Through Alex and Henry's evolving relationship, the novel delves into the complexities of gender roles, societal expectations, and the process of coming to terms with one's sexual identity in the public eye. It’s a witty, heartfelt narrative and positive representation of queer love which has resonated with a wide audience.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid tells the story of fictional Hollywood star Evelyn Hugo, who recounts her life, loves, and the truth behind her seven marriages to a young journalist. Central to the novel is Evelyn's relationship with fellow actress Celia St. James, exploring themes of bisexuality, the fluidity of gender roles, and the challenges of being queer in a time when such identities were marginalised. It is a nuanced look at gender, sexuality, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of love and fame.

 

Hope and Optimism
Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons we read romance novels is the hope they offer. In a world where pessimism and cynicism can often dominate, romance novels provide a much-needed dose of optimism. They remind us that love is possible, that people can grow and change, and that happy endings, though rare, are achievable. This message of hope is particularly powerful in difficult times, offering readers the reassurance that good things can and do happen.

The optimistic outlook inherent in romance novels is not just about the romantic relationships themselves, but also about the broader themes of resilience, forgiveness, and second chances. These stories often highlight the strength of the human spirit and the capacity for love and compassion, even in the face of adversity. For readers, this can be incredibly uplifting, offering a sense of renewal and positivity that carries over into their own lives, the two I have chosen here are a little unusual, but I hope they offer you a different perspective when thinking about what is a romance novel?!

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman tells the story of Eleanor Oliphant, a socially awkward and lonely woman with a traumatic past. As the story unfolds, Eleanor begins to open up to new friendships and experiences, gradually overcoming her isolation and learning to heal. The novel is deeply optimistic, showing that it's never too late for personal growth, connection, and happiness. It has been a huge bestseller since its launch in 2018.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion is the first of a series that follows Don Tillman, a socially inept genetics professor, as he embarks on a quest to find the perfect wife through a scientifically designed questionnaire. His plan goes awry when he meets Rosie, a free-spirited woman who doesn't fit any of his criteria but ultimately helps him discover the unpredictability and joy of love. It is light-hearted and filled with humour, offering an uplifting and hopeful perspective on love, acceptance, and the beauty of embracing life’s imperfections!

 

The Academic Theory Bit!
John G. Cawelti, a prominent cultural theorist, posits that romance fiction serves a crucial role in uncertain times by providing readers with emotional reassurance and stability. According to Cawelti, romance novels offer a structured narrative where order is restored through the fulfilment of romantic desires, contrasting with the chaos of real life. This genre's predictable patterns—conflict, resolution, and a guaranteed happy ending—offer comfort to readers, especially during periods of social or personal turmoil.

Cawelti argues that in times of uncertainty, readers are drawn to the security of romance fiction because it affirms a world where love can overcome obstacles and where the individual's pursuit of happiness is ultimately rewarded. The escape into a world where emotional needs are met and challenges are surmountable provides a psychological balm against the unpredictability of reality. By reaffirming fundamental values such as love, commitment, and moral order, romance fiction helps readers cope with anxieties and fears, making it an essential cultural product during turbulent times.

Romance fiction also provides readers with "mental space" by offering a temporary escape from the stresses and complexities of daily life. This concept is rooted in the theory of "escapism" in literature, where readers immerse themselves in a fictional world to distance themselves from reality. According to Janice Radway's seminal work ‘Reading the Romance’, romance novels allow readers, particularly women, to carve out time for themselves, creating a mental retreat from the demands of their roles in society.

Radway argues that this form of reading is not merely passive but serves as an active mental space where readers can explore their own desires, emotions, and identities in a safe and controlled environment. The predictable structure of romance fiction—culminating in a happy ending—further enhances this mental space by providing a sense of closure and emotional satisfaction, helping readers to momentarily disengage from real-life pressures.

Interestingly romance novels often contain an "educational component," allowing readers to justify their engagement with the genre by combining entertainment with learning. This idea is supported by research in popular literature studies, where scholars like Jennifer Crusie have noted that romance novels frequently include elements that educate readers about various topics, from historical settings and cultural practices to psychological insights and relationship dynamics.

By embedding factual information or moral lessons within the narrative, romance novels offer readers a way to feel intellectually enriched while indulging in leisure reading. This educational aspect legitimises the time spent on romance novels, framing it not just as escapism, but also as an opportunity for self-improvement and knowledge acquisition. Readers can therefore perceive their reading as a meaningful activity that contributes to their understanding of the world, making the genre more appealing and socially acceptable, in a world that still sees romance as primarily ‘by women, for women’ and therefore of lesser value and merit.

 

In Summary!
In truth though, the reasons we read romance novels are as varied as the readers themselves. Emotional engagement, escapism, reflection on relationships, identities, or simply a bit of hope and optimism, romance novels meet a need for connection, love, and understanding, they offer a space where readers can explore their desires, fears, and dreams, emotional release and all while enjoying a good story that even if not a happy ending, is a satisfying conclusion.

 

Reference: 
Cawelti, John G. *Adventure, Mystery, and Romance: Formula Stories as Art and Popular Culture*. University of Chicago Press, 1976.

Crusie, Jennifer. "Romancing Reality: The Power of Romance Fiction to Reinforce and Re-Vision the Real." *Paradoxa: Studies in World Literary Genres*, vol. 3, no. 1-2, 1997, pp. 81-93.

Radway, Janice A. *Reading the Romance: Women, Patriarchy, and Popular Literature*. University of North Carolina Press, 1984.