A genre that I never took seriously. I thought romance are for sissies or that it suits those girls who are in the peak of puberty. I love stories with dragons or kick-ass characters, things I thought I would never find in romance. How shallow I was! To tell you the truth, as I write this post, I still have this doubt in my mind that I will continue to love these lovely reads.
I had an eye-opening experience, thanks to these books : The Art of Hearing Heartbeats and The Girl You Left Behind. Those book lighted the darkest corner of my heart only to played with it and left me in emotional roller coaster. How I adore that experience! I enjoy having my feelings played (only in books, mind you), this is something non romance books, might not be able to give.
The Girl You Left Behind is a tale of how wrecked Sophie's life after being left by her husband Edouard, for war. Imagine having no means of communication while you have no idea about the conditions of your loved one. Heck, you won't even know if he's still alive. It's a mess. A complete mess, in fact and if it's not for Sophie's love, she won't be able to cope with her sadness. Her love makes her strong.
The Art of Hearing Heartbeats is another story. Throw a cripple girl and a blind guy into 1950s of Burma, sprinkle it with love and boom! I'd say no more. It's the most beautiful love story I've ever read in my entire life. Did I say I love having my heart played? Well, this one not only played with it, but also left me breathless.
My experience of reading romance is something new. It doesn't give me the feeling of a 16-year-old girl with her first love. It allows me that to believe that life is beautiful and I need to live it to the fullest. It also taught me that love is the most wonderful gift and if you know you are loved, embrace it and give it in return.
So, do you like reading romance? What's one romance book that's unforgettable for you? Did you underestimated this genre? Please share with us!
