I Read an Emily Henry and Now I Have Thoughts
This historical romance author has been doing ~research~ and so baby read her first Emily Henry. I basically closed that book and instantly gave birth to a 2000+ word think piece because you all know me and ofc I have THOUGHTS.
Here’s a little excerpt from my post: “In a romance and in one so popular, I find this depressing! It’s like the Protestant Work Ethic of F*cking. You only deserve physical pleasure once you’ve scaled the mountain of self-actualization.”
I’ve been reading popular romances outside historical lately for a few reasons. However, my ultimate goal? I am trying to better understand the place of historical romance in the market and so I’m reading popular books in other genres to educate myself 🤓📚. I will be back with more thoughts on other books soon. And ofc I’m still reading historicals and might drop in with a historical-specific book post soon….
As usual, my Substack is 100% free—you just need to register with your email and if you already subscribe to my newsletter, you’ll have immediate access to Lydia Lloyd Romance’s Repository. #emilyhenry #emilyhenrybooks #lemon8bookworm #lemon8book
Emily Henry has become a celebrated name in contemporary romance literature, widely appreciated for her witty, heartfelt storytelling that deftly explores themes of love, self-discovery, and modern relationships. For an author primarily rooted in historical romance to immerse herself in Henry’s work offers a fascinating lens through which to compare contemporary and historical romance genres. One key insight highlighted is the notion of pleasure and self-actualization in romance narratives. Emily Henry's novels often portray emotional growth and intimacy as intertwined, yet accessible, challenging the traditional trope where physical or emotional satisfaction must be 'earned' through arduous personal transformation. This contrasts with a more classical approach that sometimes mirrors the Protestant work ethic, emphasizing duty, endurance, and incremental self-improvement before fulfillment can be attained. Understanding these genre differences enriches knowledge of romance literature’s cultural and psychological impact. Contemporary romance genres typically emphasize realistic, relatable characters navigating complex emotional landscapes, while historical romance may focus more on escapism and period-specific societal norms. Exploring Emily Henry's work allows historical romance authors and readers to reflect on evolving themes of empowerment, consent, and vulnerability that resonate with today’s audiences. Further, the author’s journey to read widely outside her genre signals an important trend in literary cross-pollination, encouraging readers and writers alike to expand horizons. By analyzing popular contemporary romances, historical romance authors can adapt narrative strategies, deepen character development, and challenge existing stereotypes within their works. For readers seeking a comprehensive understanding of modern romance literature’s dynamics, engaging with this author’s reflective commentary provides a bridge between literary traditions. It also underscores the value of thoughtful critique and interdisciplinary exploration in appreciating the complexity of love stories across time and style. This evolving dialogue between historical and contemporary romance enriches the genre community, fosters inclusivity of diverse voices, and expands the narrative possibilities that romance literature can offer in addressing human experience.
