Romance novels have existed since the time of Greek classics, but why are they still diminished as works of folly?
The answer is pretty simple: misogyny.
Now, you might think this is a pretty wild claim, but let’s break it down. Typically when you think of romance novels, they’re associated with readers who identify as women, and they’re usually thought of as being filled with smut. And yes, often both of these things are true. But this doesn’t mean they’re inherently worse than other literary genres. In fact, romance novels branch out into so many sub genres; historical romance, YA romance, fantasy romance, erotic romance just to name a few, and romance finds itself dotted into every literary genre in some shape or form. So, why is it that the romance genre itself is mocked so much?
It’s because of how loved it is by women. And, unfortunately, we’re still living in a misogynistic world where everything associated as being a woman’s interest is mocked; from footwear (Ugg boots), to cars (Fiat 500s) to yes, even drinks (pumpkin spice lattes). And okay, these sound like pretty minor things to complain about, but these microaggressions build up and belittle what women are interested in. This has been the case for years. And like I said, romance novels are just one factor in the long list of things that are belittled because they’re mostly enjoyed by women.
So, why is it that romance novels are so beloved by women? Well, where do I begin?
Romance novels cover a whole expanse of topics, themes, and plots, but it comes down to the representation in them. There are some classic figures in romance novels, both heroes and heroines alike. Women read romance novels and feel represented, or they see a romantic hero that is exactly what they hope for. The heroes are kind, compassionate, doting, and yes, sometimes, hella good in bed. They show respect and awe. And let’s face it, what woman doesn’t want to be treated like a queen?
Romance novels teach women that they’re deserving of the most beautiful, respectful type of love; lessons that they’re often not taught in real life. In novels, the love interests dote upon the heroines, they show the readers the love that they deserve. So of course women flood to romance novels, because they give them hope at a happy life. And guess what? Most romance novels are written by other women, which is almost a double-edged sword. Women writers know what other women want, and they write for it, so the readers connect more. But this also means that male readers are less likely to read them, again because of misogyny. Male readers don’t want to be reading some ‘fluffy’ romance filled with smut that’s been written by a smart, incredible woman. And so, they mock them.
Some of the precursors to the more erotic subgenre were published in 1740 by Samuel Richardson. Now, I’ve never heard of him or his books until now, but I can say that they sucked. They’re classed – for some bizarre reason – as erotic romances, but they’re problematic at best. They absolutely should not be looked at as classic love stories. And I hate to generalise, but it’s maybe a bit obvious as to why these sucked when we compare them to romance novels by women. The fact is that this man, and many others who attempt a heterosexual romance novel, didn’t know a thing about women, their wants, or their sexual needs. You just have to look at all of the smut written by heterosexual men to understand that they don’t understand women.
Women writers, however, often completely nail it. More classical – and less erotic – examples of wonderful romance novels are from the 1810’s when Jane Austen made a huge impact on the romantic genre. She created so many strong, beautiful, beloved heroines, and some truly swoon-worthy love interests, that have guided romance novels for centuries. We still talk about her works today, and Pride and Prejudice is seen as one of the greatest romance novels of all time – and who doesn’t love Mr Darcy? Into the Victorian Era, the Brontë sisters left their marks on the Romantic genre with Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, which, like Austen’s works, have had a huge influence on the genre.
But it wasn’t until the 1930s that the demand for romance novels was truly understood. This decade saw the beginning of the British publisher Mills & Boon as the company we know it as today. They began their company in 1908 as a general publishers, but after seeing the demand for romance novels, began to focus purely on that genre, and today, alongside their partner Harlequin Enterprises, they’re responsible for almost 75% of romance paperbacks published in Britain. Following this, the more typical modern romance novel – with a little bit of ~sauce~ is said to have begun in the 1970s. The Flame and The Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss is painted as the first ‘bodice ripper’ aka the first erotic historical novel – and it is said to have revolutionized historical romance.
Now that the history lesson is over with, let’s look at the importance of this genre, as well as some examples.
Romance novels defy expectations and they usually put the women in charge of their own narratives. They’re defined as their own person BEFORE the relationship starts, and yes, the relationship becomes a big part of their life, but they’re still independent, strong women. In the romance novels I’ve read that’re written by women, the main characters don’t become an extension of their relationship (i.e. being only focussed on their relationship and having zero characteristics of their own), the relationship becomes an extension of them – they’ve already established who they are, and that’s why the relationship happens, because of who they are. They still have their own life, rather than being reduced to someone who relies on the relationship to exist (unlike many romance books/films by men where the women exist purely for the romance).
Romance novels are wonderfully inclusive – because guess what? The world isn’t only made up of one type of person, and a lot of genres seem to forget that. Romance books are full of queer representation, poc representation, body positivity, and so much more. They portray healthy communication, growth as a pair and individuals, they show comfort and support. The characters are so multi-dimensional, and they understand each other’s needs, whilst knowing when to step back and focus on themselves.
So, let’s talk about the erotic romance novels, and you may be asking, well, how are they feminist?
I can’t write this article without talking about one of my new favourite authors – the incredible Talia Hibbert. Her novels are diverse, and empowering, and hell yeah, they’re feminist. I haven’t read her whole collection of books, but I do know they’re full of underrepresented women and she writes to represent the marginalised. Her Brown sisters series took my breath away. Chloe, Dani, and Eve Brown are three plus sized Black women who have their different lives and struggles. As well as creating three powerful, feisty women, Hibbert creates three wonderful, sexy, driven love interests, and the interactions between them all are incredible. Her books are full of body positivity, disability representation, growth, vulnerabilities, and sex positivity. Hibbert defies expectations in all three books, and romance novels like hers even enter the story, where she writes the ex-rugby playing Zaf as a romance novel lover, proving that guys can and do love romance novels too.
So, in summary, Romance books can definitely be feminist. They show that women’s pleasure is nothing to be shamed for, and they portray sex in such a healthy, normal way. They help women become more empowered and open about sex – it isn’t just about male pleasure, and women are too often told in the real world that sex is something that’s taboo. In romance novels, women become an active participant in sex, rather than treated as a passive player. But as well as this, we have the non-erotic romance novels, and both are extremely valid. Romance novels aren’t just about romance, they’re exploring identities, showing flawed, multi-dimensional characters, and they often have ambitions outside of the relationship – whether that’s to live more experiences, become bolder, or even just figure out what they want from the world. They aren’t trashy or scandalous to read – and the more they’re labelled as scandalous, the more women are being told that they’re not allowed to enjoy sex, and the more they’re looked down on, the more women are shamed for finding enjoyment in powerful literature.
For too long, Romance novels have been dismissed and mocked as trashy, or works of folly, but I’m done with labelling them as a guilty pleasure.
- Louise Collins
Feminist Book Club 