'Trashy' fiction is my cross to bear
I am a huge fan of romance novels and I get flak for it.Some of my guy and gal pals honestly think of the romance genre as being purely trashy fiction with lusty covers; brawny bare-bodied men, big breasted heroines in tight fitting corsets, lame villains and plots so full of potholes they rival Mexico's. Why bother reading when its a typically happy ending for only the good men and women of these nonsensical fantasies with zero intelligence? I'm either accused of pursuing unintelligent escapism that borders on porn at its best when the world is full of domestic violence, high divorce rates, marching feminist movements and women dunking their dates' head with fruit punch for a sexual innuendo passed during dessert (hmm dessert... yep u get the pic?) OR that i'm a naive, repressed twit desperate for much needed erotica (puhh lease). Most would declare its all a load of bullshit and that written chilvalry, while dead, probably never really existed in the first place.
I'll admit they are right on one account, that the romance novel for all intents and purposes is escapism. Still, what do they expect when I make a beeline for the fiction section, something 110% more intelligent than a non-fiction? The romance novel happens to be a good way to de-stress from the rigours of everyday life. They can be funny, witty, touching and inspiring not to mention intelligently put together. A load of crap with bad influences? Well unless the reader is significantly naive, he or she while enjoying the narration, will still emerge with their common sense intact.
I saw a forum thread once on women who read romance novels and how 'bimbotic' they must be to indulge in such impractical sexual fantasies. Surprisingly the main critics were women themselves, man they were tougher on their own sex than the men. They actually blasted other women who read romance novels, believing readers like myself to be subservient and lacking in self-pride for reading such trash. In this day and age, you would think females who always strive for independence and freedom in thoughts and speech wouldn't be so prudish and unnecessarily narrow-minded.Once, I got the evil eye from an older woman in a train sitting next to me while I was reading a medieval romance. Since it was from the medieval period, the cover fits the usual stereotype of a bare-bodied hero in riding breeches passionately embracing his erm..voluptuous lady love. The older woman was exuding this holier-than-thou attitude and her 'tsk tsk' every now and then was a major irritant. Tired of her constant surveillance, I turned to look at her expecting her to look away but instead encountered a censorous glare (someone call 911!)For years, lots of people from my own gal pals to my sister have expressed disgust at my choice of reading materials. I have to admit that there are supremely trashy novels out there where the man treats the woman as a sex object with plenty of bed actions in between BUT there are also many romance novels out there with worthy characters and great storylines extolling plenty of social and relationship values without coming off as preachy and desperate.
Not all romance novels have trashy plots, most of them provide intelligent storylines indicating the author's immense depth of research. Whether its the Middle ages, Medieval, Victorian, Renaissance, or Contemporary period, credible authors like Virginia Henley are able to interweave real historical facts with two admirable, fictional characters making the whole story plausible, stimulating and a joy to read. In fact, many authors such as Merline Lovelace (do try to look beyond the name?) military politics, Linda Howard-martial arts, international espionage and deadly politics, Nora Roberts, Jayne Ann Krentz- intelligent and empowering women solving mysteries alongside their male counterparts, all give equal concentration to both the romance and plot aspect of their stories.Then we have the new sub genre known as Chick Lit, a testimony to quirky fiction like the Bridget Jones Diary. Its still sexy but a more sassy, witty and quirky take on the single woman's quest for love in today's fashionable society like the well-known author of Sex and the City & Lipstick Jungle- Candace Bushnell, The Undomestic Goddess- Samantha Sweeting, Jane Green's Mr Maybe and the recently read Lizzie Jordan's Secret Life - Chris Manby.
[Lizzie Jordan's S. L really reflected my previous quarter-life crisis as it tells of Lizzie who sees herself as a Class A failure in life, love and career unlike her ex-schoolmates. She started out so well only to crash and burn like a supernova, stucked with a crummy job and average boyfriend.
Her ex-boyfriend in college, Brian, whom she still sees as the love of her life was coming for a visit and to impress him, she spawned lies upon lies about her so-called successful life and jetsetting career. Man, did i cringed when her lies were exposed but yeah there were lessons to be learnt- you know like if you lie, you'll get burnt but your friends will still be there for you]
Today, I still get flak for reading a romance novel, even with a decent cover. I still don't get what the fuss is about considering that my reading tastes pretty much extend to other genres such as horror, psychological thrillers and cheeky political commentaries. I have a sneaky feeling that many years from now, I'd still be a faithful reader of the romance genre despite being a multi-fan of the Koontz, Saul, Chomsky, Moore and Brown camps.
Bottomline is, I am all for responsible reading but it is my own prerogative. Never let anyone censor your choice of reading materials cos you'd be shortchanging no one but yourself :)Currently reading: Divine Evil by Nora Roberts
Forever Odd by Dean Koontz
Signing off
Ms Censor-free
posted by GirlAwake @ 11:15 AM
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