I've been enchanted with historical romance since the first time I heard a story that began with "once upon a time". Those magical words started my love of romantic adventures set in faraway lands, filled with dashing heroes and clever heroines, and most importantly, happily-ever-afters.
From there I read books set in many historical time periods, but my favorite has always been the Regency era. It is filled with many fairy-tale aspects, from the elegant clothing to the magnificent carriages to the glamorous social events, and I've often wondered what it might be like to live during those fascinating times.
Now I will be the first to admit I am not willing, or able, to give up any of my modern conveniences, including coffee, indoor plumbing, or my laptop. Nor am I planning to relinquish my ability to vote, speaking my mind, or any of the other inalienable rights I have as a 21st century woman.
Still, I am torn between two centuries.
I love the instantaneous communication we have available today, from texting to Twitter to email. But I also love the clever language and sophisticated conversation of days gone by, as well as the hours that were devoted to face-to-face discourse. When it comes to people falling in love, the leisurely progression that starts with a glance, and continues with witty banter and wordplay -- well, it is so much more appealing than a simple "I <3 U".
Fortunately, historical romance makes it possible to blend the best of both eras.
We can power up our e-readers and fall instantly into a romantic story from long ago. Within seconds we can absorb the excitement of entering an ornate carriage, delicately arranging our muslin skirts so they aren't crushed while riding to the ball at Lord Rakington's townhouse. With a tap of the screen, we can vicariously experience the heroine's scandalous waltz with the dashing rogue hero, imagining ourselves in that heart-fluttering moment, wondering what else might happen on such an exquisite evening.
It's likely the historical world did not exist precisely the way it is portrayed in fiction, in much the same way that our modern-day existence is radically different than historians' predictions of the future. But reading these stories serves as a wonderful reminder that love and romance are a vital part of everyday life, no matter what that era's struggles might be. It also reminds us that each generation's hopes and dreams are focused on many of the same things that we cherish too.
For a few delightful hours at a time, we can be transported to another century, immerse ourselves in chivalry and romance and fairy-tale adventures, and then return to our daily lives with renewed optimism and faith in the future.
That is what I consider truly magical.
Well said! I love the magic of the Regency era for all the reasons you listed. All eras have romantic trappings, but there is something about that one which speaks to the height of romance. LeSigh! :)
Posted by: Mae Clair | July 23, 2014 at 08:47 AM
Thanks, Mae! I think I'm always going to love the Regency era. Although sometimes I get intrigued by the Georgian era, but all those wigs and huge clothes -- yeah, I'll stick with the Regency rakes and misses. LOL
Posted by: Donna Cummings | July 25, 2014 at 07:34 AM