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Pink Think: "A historical romance is the only kind of book where chastity really counts." - Barbara Cartland
photo by dan at freedigital.net
Just read Janette Rallison's novel Just One Wish. My oldest had raved about it before, and I finally got around to reading it. What a delight. I laughed and got choked up all at the same time; it's sweetly romantic in a believable way (amazing to pull it off when the main characters have known each other for only about 24 hours). Okay, so maybe parts of it were a bit over-the-top (animal wrangling disguise) but that was part of the fun.
Here's another amazing book: the graphic novel Page by Paige by Laura Lee Gulledge. Each page illuminates a truth, in such a fresh and novel way. Example: cuddling a cat makes Paige feel like she has all these comforting arms around her. My oldest loved the illustrations so much she brought out her watercolors and did up a few little pieces in homage of this book.
Score! Two books that have made me a happy reader. (I have breezed through a number of books lately that I started but didn't finish) Plus, they're books my daughter and I can enjoy together - Bonus!
Okay, on to today's (somewhat related) post!
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I have been revising a historical novel. It's turned out completely different than when I started. My first draft, the female protagonist is more socially confident, more coquettish, more aggressive. This time, my protagonist holds back more and wants to be chaste.
I think the second version, with her not being as sexually aggressive, makes her more sympathetic, and is in keeping with sexual mores of turn-of-the-century Philippines (of course, that's what I thought too about 19th century America, but Luxe turned that expectation on its head). I wonder if modern readers would appreciate a female protagonist that tries to be chaste?
Would YOU?
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Chaste Romance
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8 comments:
I know I always do! I tend to read more YA fiction than adult fiction because you're less likely to have to start skipping inappropriate material in an otherwise good book.
Definitely! I hate reading a book, that is otherwise amazing and have the feeling that I can't recommend it to people, especially my teenage niece due to the sex content.
Yes I would appreciate it. Good luck!
I would think so, which is an odd thing for me to say since I write the kind of stuff that I wouldn't show my daughter until she was more older and mature.
But having a protaganist trying like there's no tomorrow to hang onto her values in face of whatever life throws at her does make an interesting and believable read, no matter what genre its in.
I honestly think that would such a breath of fresh air! I feel like everything pushes the envelope so much now, so it would be refreshing having a female MC try and hold on to her innocence (even if she ends up giving in at some point).
A heroine's views on chastity, whatever those views, are fine with me as long as it's clear they're her values rather than the author's. And as long as people who feel differently aren't automatically wrong.
One of my favorite genres is Chick Lit, but I get so annoyed because so rarely do I find a book that keeps things PG. I'm constantly having to either skip large sections or just quit reading it all together. Its so disappointing, so the answer is YES. Yes, yes, and yes.
Tara: Interesting...I find sometimes that YA is more gritty and harsh than adult novels. But some delve into truths that you wouldn't find as commonly in adult novels.
Sabine: Right, I understand where you're coming from. I love being able to pass on a book to my daughter.
Nameit: Thanks for stopping here and for your comment.
G: Yeah, I agree, I respect a protagonist that sticks to her guns whatever that might be.
Vivi: It seems easier to give in...my heroines are the ones that don't easily.
Marian: Agreed! You make a good point. I know what I am comfortable reading and writing, but that doesn't mean everyone feels the same way.
Heather: Not sure when was the last time I read chick lit. But when I do, I have fun. It always makes for a great escape.
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