BackBook Review | A refreshing romantic novel
Book Review | A refreshing romantic novel
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The answer to that question may be inevitable, but Narayanan’s first novel is still a pleasant surprise in many ways. Sentimental but brisk, frothy but cool-headed, is a definite departure from classic M&B territory, and ventures closer than any of M&B India’s previous novels into contemporary “chick-lit" territory. Over email, Narayanan told Mint, “The basic structure of romance novels in (an earlier time) was very similar to what it is today – the storylines were simpler though, and there was more focus on external conflict (eg: a vicious ex-girlfriend causing trouble between the lead characters) than there is today. Wwomen play a far more equal role in today’s relationships, and that reflects in modern romance writing.
The romance industry is a global publishing phenomenon, accounting, by some studies, for one-third of the total book sales the world over. While the stories themselves may not always be helpful in decoding the culture and context from which they spring, successful romance novels are broadly indicative of a flourishing publishing culture.
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