The Baby-logue in Historical Romance
Today l am tackling a controversial subject here in Romancelandia (I think, at least??): the baby-logue. While many readers understandably don’t like epilogues with babies/children for a myriad of legitimate reasons, they are also ubiquitous in the genre. And I must confess that I myself love a babylogue, hence why I included one in my debut, WHEN THE DUKE LOVED ME.
I love a babylogue because I think, at its heart, such epilogues are not really about babies or children. Instead, they often seem to be about confirming to the reader that the central couple (but especially the heroine) is able to achieve harmony and balance between their various desires and goals. The fear with caregiving responsibilities, in particular, is that they will subsume the other aspects of the main couple’s identities—especially for women main characters. I never get tired of seeing an epilogue in which the heroine is excelling in her chosen worldly/intellectual/sexual desire-oriented pursuits AND getting to enjoy her role as parent. Especially in historicals, as a reader, I often want that reassurance—but also I want that reassurance because caretaking can pose the same threat to women’s full identities today as it did in the 19th century.
In my book, it was really important for me to show how, in the epilogue, John is enabling Catherine to balance their life together and the endeavors she has for herself. When she tries to cancel her research trip for her book, he insists that she can still do it—and helps make that a reality.
What are your thoughts on the babylogue? Do you love them? Hate them? Or do you evaluate case by case? #historicalromance #regencyromance #historicalromances #lemon8bookclub
Hey everyone! I’ve been thinking a lot about Scarlett Peckham’s work, and it’s truly something special, especially when we’re talking about those often-debated baby-logues in historical romance. I know many of you are drawn to her unique voice, and for good reason! When I think about books that beautifully exemplify what I love about baby-logues, 'The Rakess' by Scarlett Peckham immediately comes to mind. The original article touched on how a baby-logue isn't just about babies, but about the heroine achieving harmony and balance. 'The Rakess' nails this perfectly with Adam and Seraphina. Their journey doesn't end when they find love; it extends into how Seraphina, with her incredibly strong and multifaceted identity, navigates her life and new role as a mother. It's not just a simple 'happily ever after' with a child; it's a profound exploration of how she integrates this new aspect of her life without losing any part of herself. That reflection on her multifaceted identity is key, and it’s something Scarlett Peckham excels at. For me, what makes 'The Rakess' stand out is how it portrays Seraphina's continued growth and agency. So often, historical romance heroines are expected to conform once they marry and start a family. But Peckham shows us a different path. Seraphina's passions, her intellect, her independence – they all remain vibrant and crucial to who she is, even as she embraces motherhood alongside Adam. This kind of nuanced portrayal is deeply satisfying. It reassures me, as a reader, that a woman can truly 'have it all' – love, family, and personal fulfillment – even within the constraints of historical settings. It’s this very aspect that makes her work so compelling and why her books are often discussed. She crafts characters who defy expectations and provide a refreshing take on the genre. I think her approach to the baby-logue in 'The Rakess' is a brilliant example of how this trope can be used to deepen character development and reinforce themes of female empowerment, rather than just being a token ending. It definitely makes me want to revisit her other works and see how she explores these ideas further. What are your favorite aspects of Scarlett Peckham’s storytelling?
Sometimes, it feels like the author writes a baby into the epilogue out of obligation, even when the story didn't seem to be going in that direction. Otherwise, I do tend to enjoy an epilogue with the next generation mentioned. I also really like the epilogue introducing a peek at the next couple in the series hearing about each other or something. Usually, it isn't necessary to the plot if the next book can be a standalone, just a little peek!