Love is in the Air
I've recently returned to a genre I have always liked, but have only had specific exposure to: Romance. For the most part, I've read/watched RomComs the most, and recently got back into the genre. Without further ado, here are the romances that have recently swept me off my feet.
Bridgerton (Season 1)
After finishing Downton Abbey, I wanted something similar-ish to hopefully fill the void the end of that show (and its movies) left behind. Though Bridgerton can't quite deliver on the same level as Downton for me, it's a rather enjoyable watch, too, and some of the creative choices are interesting, to say the least.
Where Downton tells a generational, period-accurate (if romanticised) tale of a wealthy family dealing with war, economic turmoil, and changing society, Bridgerton is just here for the capital-D-Drama. That also comes with more liberal artistic choices: Costumes are brighter, more flamboyant, less accurate, but very glamorous. While orchestras are present in the ballrooms, don't be surprised if you hear them playing Billie Eilish's Bad Guy during a ball - an artistic liberty that firmly announces: "We're here for the spirit of things, not for accuracy". This particular choice drives an acquaintance of mine up the wall, but I respect it - though I suspect that is in part because I really, really like classical covers of modern music. Eitherway, it gets a pass and enthusiasm from me.
Bridgerton is all about the titular family's children and their need to marry - from the eldest daughter and son, all the way down, as far as I can tell. Structurally, each season of Bridgerton is focused on one child of the family and their struggle to find (or perhaps avoid) love.
The first season follows Daphne Bridgerton, eldest daughter of the family. When the Queen declares her the season's most eligible girl, suitors start lining up, only to be thwarted by Daphne's brother Anthony. Anthony further interferes by setting up a match with someone Daphne does not find at all agreeable.
At the same time, the new Duke of Hastings, Simon, makes an appearance. Though a duke, handsome, and well-mannered, he has no intention fall in love, let alone marry.
Eventually, Simon and Daphne meet and concoct a scheme: They pretend to be enamoured, so Daphne doesn't need to go along with the suitor her brother has chosen for her, and Simon is no longer pestered by women who want to marry him.
What could possibly go wrong?
The season spends considerable time developing the world and its characters, and focuses specifically on the notions of legacy, duty, and childhood trauma, all of which emotionally landed for me. Another detail of note are the intimately depicted sex scenes. I find them tastefully done, though they manage to be both an emotional climax and a vessel for betrayal - I won't say more on this occasion.
The Flatshare
After just breaking up with her ex-boyfriend, Justin, Tiffy needs a place to stay. Luckily, Leon, a palliative care nurse, has just put out an add for an interesting flatshare: While Leon is at work during the evening and nights, Tiffy has the run of the place. When Tiffy is at work during the day, Leon gets to live in the flat - and the two never even have to meet.
As the two need some way of communicating, they start leaving increasingly adorable post-it notes for one another, and essentially start developing a long-distance friendship across time, rather than space.
As the notes become more familiar, they start sharing their worries and problems with one another, and ultimately grow ever closer through their trials.
Beth O'Leary crafts a light-hearted, witty, and yet thought-provoking novel about processing and healing from abusive relationships. There are even some stylistic choices that really contrast Tiffy and Leon from the start: Chapters are written from one character's point of view. Tiffy's style is what you would expect from a romance protagonist: In the moment, spontaneous, emotions and feelings-first, and rather well tuned into her own thoughts and feelings. Leon's style, on the other hand, reads like a log book: short sentences often missing the subject, succinct and to the point.
The romance that ultimately ensues is sweet, caring, and just the right mix of light and serious for me. The seriousness of recovering from abusive relationships is handled with care, and never downplayed. The same care has gone into showing glimpses of the taxing demands placed on a palliative care nurse.
This book has made me smile, giggle, and, at times, made me shout frustration out loud - but always for the right reasons.
My Dress-Up Darling (Anime / Manga)
This was one I did not think I'd like, but I liked it so much that I ended up binging its 24 episodes in two days and proceeded to read the rest of the manga the same day I finished the anime.
This story begins with Wakana Gojo, a shy boy who is into doll-making, and wants to take over his grandfather's business. Though Gojo feels great passion about his craft, a being ridiculed for it as a child makes it so he feels awkward about it.
Enter Kitagawa Marin, a person Gojo describes as someone "living in a completely different world": Marin is considered pretty, popular, and outgoing.
In a way, the main contrast between Marin and Gojo isn't popularity or anything like it, it's confidence:
One day, Gojo makes use of the sewing machine at school, because his grandpa's machine broke - and who would walk in but Kitagawa-san. Both are startled, but much to Gojo's surprise, Kitagawa thinks the doll Gojo carries around is pretty, and is impressed by his sewing skills.
She asks for Gojo's help in crafting a cosplay of one of her favourite characters, and thus we have the start of a friendship.
The series explores awkward (and sometimes surprisingly mature) teenage romance, and what it means to follow your passions. Its most significant message may lie in the difference in attitude between its two leads:
While Gojo is borderline ashamed of his passion for doll-making, and downplays his skills every chance he gets, Marin is open about her love for all things anime and manga, even for some material one might consider ... questionable. She simply loves what she loves, and doesn't apologise for it. I empathise with Gojo quite a bit, as I have also tended to hide my true interest for fear of ridicule, so this aspect of the story resonated quite deeply with me.
If you have any other romances you'd like to share with me, I'd love to hear about them.
