09-24-2008, 01:53 PM
Bellatrix Wrote:Manderley Wrote:Just curious: What's the most important element in the novel: The gothic setting or the romantic storyline?
I don't care that much for romance, I must admit. In fact I rather prefer it when it's not too much a part of the story. It's all about the gothic atmosphere and settings for me.
I agree 100% with you on this.
I'm not much of a romantic, never have been. They could do away with Valentine's Day; I wouldn't miss it.
A bit of romance ("on the side") is okay; if believable and low key and enhancing the story, I can tolerate it. The Gothic setting/atmosphere is key for me.
Of course one true plus in this regard is a love interest can also be suspect...
As for outright romance novels? Never read one, likely never will.
I'm with you both on this. I prefer my gothic with a nice dollop of supernatural suspense. I tolerate the romance because gothic novels are, for the most part, the only supernatural stories where the ghostly aspect is presented as anything more than simply an "evil adversary". At least the world of gothic romance is willing to present the possibility that all denizens of the other side aren't ravening beasts out to eat our brains (with much description of the act).
In my desperate search for gothic suspense novels that would go easy on the gore and wouldn't offer squirmy, story slowing sex scenes I have come across a few novels that seemed more focused on romance and they are usually a huge let down.
Of course I'm talking about mass market popular novels here, not classics. Wuthering Heights was NEVER simply a boy meets girl and gets swept off his feet catalogue of their mutual gorgeousness. The romance was used to further the grim history of Cathy and Heathcliffe. The story was not simply an excuse for a meet cute romance.
