From Bodice Rippers to Trailblazers: Feminism through Romance

Beth Barany, Gail Carriger, Alice Gaines, Kristin Miller, Aya de Leon

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Romance is one of the most maligned genres of the literary world, despite being a billion-dollar business. Maybe it’s because the books are written by, about, and for women. Misogyny at work? Who’s to say? But unlike other literature, romance novels always portray women in lead roles, prize their rule-breaking, and ensure that their sexual satisfaction comes first. So why is the genre accused of conflicting with feminist ideals? Romance authors weigh in.