Gothic romances' return to popularity proves they're as immortal as their characters. The only fiction section that's getting larger in bookstores is paranormal romances. Publishing houses are creating their own imprints focused on them. Last time Gothic romances were this popular was in the 1970's. The novels' covers had striking graphics, scenes of haunted mansions, remote or elegant locations, brooding heroes, villains, passionate, adventurous heroines and the supernatural. Gothic romances were always more than the cliché they invented, a beautiful, smart, imperiled heroine within a romantic suspense. The stories begin believable and never break that spell. Great writers can maintain a willing suspension of disbelief. Why did their books fade from popularity by the end of the 1970's?
My daughter started reading the Twilight books. She never liked to read; suddenly she was choosing to go to her room and read instead of playing the Wii with her brother. My wife and I were thrilled. We saw the movie Twilight with her; it was easy to see why she loved it. It's Gothic and romantic, fear and hope. She fantasizes about smitten, romantic love, not really knowing yet what's on the other side. She sees herself running up the hillside toward a castle, hair blowing in the ocean air, chasing after a handsome but suspicious stranger. Most of us envy hopeful romantics because wisdom makes us cautious. Fear doesn't help. Down economic times, worried about debt, I can open my bills if I want to read something frightening. Why would Gothic romances be popular with adults last time everyone felt like this?
Read one by Victoria Holt, Phyllis Whitney or Virginia Coffman. Choose a setting you know and love, it'll be as much of a character as everyone else. San Francisco during the earthquake and fire: Whitney's The Trembling Hills. San Francisco in 1919: Coffman's Hyde Place. Feel hopeful and romantic while evil lurks. As a nation, we're closer to terrified than we've been in a long time. I want to be hopeful when I'm terrified and these stories appreciate that. That's why Gothic romances are popular again.
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