"More Than a Romance"?
On palate cleansers, genre definitions, and expansiveness
There’s a few phrases that automatically make me bristle. I’ll be scrolling through the bookish internet, idly double tapping and bookmarking, and someone will review a romance with complex themes and say that it feels like more than a romance. Or call it “not just a romance”. Or I’ll read something that talks about romance as a palate cleanser, a fluffy treat in between more substantial pieces of fiction. And every time I read something like this, I find myself wondering when we decided that the boundaries of the genre are so narrow?
Obviously, romance can be fluffy. It can be pure fun, nonstop banter and shenanigans and sparkling chemistry between its main characters. But it can also contain deeply emotional stories about grief and healing, sharp commentary about modern love and dating, or sincere, moving tales of reinvention and self-discovery. One of my favorite things about the genre is just how expansive it is. Each of the romances I’ve read this month has been trying different and interesting things, whether that’s 1940’s Hollywood, thoughtful chronic illness rep, a modern-day Jane Austen retelling, or a significant subplot involving erotic monster audiobooks. If you want romance to be a source of lighter reads in your reading life, it can be that. But it’s not just that and I want to advocate for a broader view of the genre and gently push back against the impulse to elevate certain books out of it.
I think a lot about the parallels between romance and mystery. Both are genres that make a promise to the reader, whether that’s a satisfying solution to the central conundrum or a satisfying ending for the central couple. Both contain huge amounts of variety within the genre. Mystery has everything from cozies with recipes included to gritty spy novels to classic country house locked room murders to literary mysteries in the vein of Tana French. Yet I don’t think I’ve ever heard someone praise a mystery by calling it “not just a mystery”.
What I dream of is having a concept of literary romance just like we have a concept of literary mysteries. I would argue that it already exists with authors like Kate Clayborn and Kennedy Ryan. Romance can be beautifully written, explore social issues and layered themes and be incredibly swoony and ultimately joyful. I see the genre as wide and welcoming and want to celebrate those books as part of the genre instead of trying to set them apart from it.
Of course, the way that you want romance to be a part of your reading life is the right way for you. But I’d encourage readers to take advantage of everything romance has to offer and try exploring titles that may be a little different from what you’d normally gravitate to. I’ve worked to push my romance reading in new directions over the last few years, whether that’s seeking out historical romance set outside Regency England or dabbling in romantic fantasy, and while it’s very much a work in progress, I know it’s made my reading life richer and more interesting.
A romance can be so many things. Let’s embrace all of them.
Currently reading: Eight Lives of a Century-Old Trickster by Mirinae Lee, from the Women’s Prize longlist. Heads up for some very tough content but I’m really liking the narrative voice, Lee’s reflections on storytelling, and the sweeping yet intimate look at 20th-century Korean history.
What’s bringing me joy lately:
Plus One, a delightfully spiky friends-to-lovers rom-com available on both Hulu and Netflix. So smart and good and I think I’m a little obsessed with Maya Erskine now?
Pairs figure skating is my favorite of the disciplines when it’s good and the pairs short program at Worlds was truly excellent. The free skate was a bit shakier but I’m still quite pleased with the podium, especially 40-year-old (!) world champion Deanna Stellato-Dudek and her top-tier pairs woman energy.
I’m trying to cut back on impulse purchases but I have zero regrets about buying this Super Yaki When Harry Met Sally t-shirt, which I wholeheartedly adore.
Natalie, you always have the best thoughts and insights on romance! I love the idea of literary romances, and I appreciate you sharing some of the ways certain phrases make you bristle. I definitely have these too, and this will make me think twice about my words, especially palate cleanser. I find my reading is at its best when I am going from one genre to another to another to keep my brain fresh, so they all are really palate cleansers for the other 🤪
I love the idea of literary romances, I too wish that was a thing! And yes to Maya Erskine. After watching the Mr & Mrs Smith reboot we went back and rewatched pen15 and it's all just so good!