title: Fantasy and Reconciliation: Contemporary Formulas of Women's Romance Fiction (Contributions in Women's Studies)
author: Kay J. Mussell
description: "Teachers and students of Popular Culture, Women's Studies, and American Studies will find that Kay Mussell's scholarly discussion of contemporary woman's romance fiction provides a systematic exploration of an underscrutinized but significant genre. Mussell's book makes several specific contributions; 1) It seeks reasons for the popular genre's persistent appeal despite changing cultural options for women, and it does so against a background of popular-culture theory and female psychology. 2) It codifies and defines contemporary women's romance conventions. ... 3) It examines the connections between contemporary women's romances and associated narrative forms. ... 4) It illuminates relevant critical debates and engages contending theoretical issues. ... While Fantasy and Reconciliation may be short on the absolute political assurance that some radical feminist scholars hope for, it offers thoughtful and lucid reflections upon popular female fantasy fiction during transitional times for women and validates the study of women's romances from a well-modulated women's studies perspective."-American Literature<br /><br />"The critical discussion of the romance is well grounded in the historical evolution of the genre, in feminist theory, and in informed treatment of changing modes of social behavior.... The contradiction between feminist advances in society and patriarchal convention in literature is reconciled, Mussell argues, in the notion that romances serve as imaginative harbors of stability and certitude for women adrift among shifting values and rapidly changing sexual customs. They function as a kind of survival tactic'.... The argument is not new, but it is well made and well documented here. A useful bibliography and extensive chapter notes are included. Recommended for graduate libraries and undergraduate libraries wiith holdings in popular culture."-Choice<br /><br />?The critical discussion of the romance is well grounded in the historical evolution of the genre, in feminist theory, and in informed treatment of changing modes of social behavior.... The contradiction between feminist advances in society and patriarchal convention in literature is reconciled, Mussell argues, in the notion that romances serve as imaginative harbors of stability and certitude for women adrift among shifting values and rapidly changing sexual customs. They function as a kind of survival tactic'.... The argument is not new, but it is well made and well documented here. A useful bibliography and extensive chapter notes are included. Recommended for graduate libraries and undergraduate libraries wiith holdings in popular culture.?-Choice<br /><br />?Teachers and students of Popular Culture, Women's Studies, and American Studies will find that Kay Mussell's scholarly discussion of contemporary woman's romance fiction provides a systematic exploration of an underscrutinized but significant genre. Mussell's book makes several specific contributions; 1) It seeks reasons for the popular genre's persistent appeal despite changing cultural options for women, and it does so against a background of popular-culture theory and female psychology. 2) It codifies and defines contemporary women's romance conventions. ... 3) It examines the connections between contemporary women's romances and associated narrative forms. ... 4) It illuminates relevant critical debates and engages contending theoretical issues. ... While Fantasy and Reconciliation may be short on the absolute political assurance that some radical feminist scholars hope for, it offers thoughtful and lucid reflections upon popular female fantasy fiction during transitional times for women and validates the study of women's romances from a well-modulated women's studies perspective.?-American Literature
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  "A dazzling, sensual tapestry .... Barbara Samuel proves once again that she
  is one of the most gifted romance writers."  
  ~ Mary Jo Putney
  
  "Not only does she write of the love between men and women, but of the
  powerful friendships between … women and a man's need to be free and
  respected."  
  ~ Romantic Times
  
  "Rarely has any author so captured the incredible power of physical attraction
  between a man and a woman. Barbara Samuel creates, with narcotic, evocative
  language and haunting imagery, a world which engages all your sense and
  emotions. She carries you to the dark side of passion and then spirals you
  toward a happy and satisfying ending you were convinced was impossible."  
  ~ Romance and Women's Fiction
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Table of Contents
  
  [Cover Image](kindle:embed:0003?mime=image/jpg)  
  
  
  [Beginning](index_split_004.html#filepos3074)  
  
  
  [Bonus Excerpts](index_split_029.html#filepos611823)  
  
  
  [About the Author](index_split_028.html#filepo