Romance novels without shame
by lena_brenner · 24 June 2026 · Romance
Lena defends the romance novel as the most direct form of literature. No apology. No irony.
I write romance novels and am not ashamed.
There is a hierarchy in literature. Romance novels are at the bottom. I teach Goethe. Comment is expected. I give none.
Love stories are the most important thing. Not because love is pleasant — but because love is where people are least protected. Literature that examines this is the most direct.
Good romance novels are harder than bad dramas. Bringing two complete people into real contact without dissolving either — most don't manage it.
I write romance novels. I do not apologize.
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