By Isabella Whiley, Brittany Holness and Lucy O’Neill
Romance is one of the most popular genres among reading circles globally. In the past, many under-represented groups, like the Black community, were not depicted in these stories, especially not as main characters. In recent years, there has been a growth in Black romance authors being published, with many being recognised as household names for their beautifully written stories and well-crafted characters. As a result, this representation has been both promoted and popularised. This has led to an increase in Black characters being written and greater recognition for Black women everywhere. Not only is this depiction important for representation in literature, but it also highlights diverse cultures and identities.
Various authors are contributing to the romance genre, expanding representation and introducing fresh voices and perspectives. Jasmine Guillory is an excellent example, with her series of romance novels often centred around African American protagonists. Her most recent novel, Flirting Lessons, set to be published in 2025, introduces an exciting new queer love story, furthering the promotion of often overlooked voices. Additionally, other authors, such as Beverly Jenkins, have begun branching further into historical settings to provide perspectives of the past that are typically ignored. Jenkins’ most recent series, Women Who Dare, follows the aftermath of the American Civil War. It features the stories of three separate women, allowing readers to witness their struggles during that period, alongside captivating romance plots that make the books impossible to put down. What these authors emphasise is the importance of establishing spaces within genres that enable new writers to emerge onto the literary landscape, enhancing representation and raising awareness of different identities and experiences.
Historically, characters in literature have been predominantly white, with the focus on their own struggles, which often diminished the voices of Black characters. However, as society progresses towards equality, literature is also shifting its focus, giving more attention to the lives and experiences of Black people. Romance, a genre that predominantly highlights a female perspective, has been especially notable in this regard. Recent examples from publishing include Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola, Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan and Only for the Week by Natasha Bishop.
In addition to the rise of Black voices in the romance genre, non-fiction has also seen an increase in new authors promoting their stories. Books such as Wildflower by Aurora James highlight the struggles she faced as an aspiring fashion pioneer. Through her memoir, readers follow James through her childhood and difficult teenage years to her eventual success as a director and founder of her own brand. Another notable work is Intimations by Zadie Smith, a critically acclaimed novelist. Her collection of essays depicting the experience of the COVID-19 lockdowns is striking. The memoir draws on the turbulent times we all faced, explored in a deeply personal way. Both of these works underscore the importance of raising awareness not only within fiction but also about real people in real situations. They bring readers together by presenting a broader spectrum of experiences and lifestyles, providing more people with stories they can relate to and recognise.
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