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Weekly Theme – Chick Lit Romance (From 20th March 2023)

‘Chick Lit’ is a popular genre of fiction that is written primarily for women and often features female protagonists, often in their twenties or thirties, as they navigate their way through relationships, careers and other life challenges. But where did the term originate?

It is thought that the term was first used by British Journalist, Amanda Craig, who used it in a 1996 review of the novel “Ralph’s Party” by Lisa Jewell. She used the term to describe the novel’s light and humorous tone, as well as its focus on the romantic lives of its female characters. But could it be even older than that.

You could possible trace the origins of ‘Chick Lit’ back to the 18th Century, when novels were first written for and by women. These novels known as ‘sentimental fiction’ and were often criticised for their melodramatic plots and unrealistic characters, but they were widely popular with female readers. Jane Austen’s novels such as ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘Sense and Sensibility’ are often considered early examples due to their focus on the lives if women and their romantic relationships.

During the 1990s the ‘Chick Lit’ genre exploded in popularity in the UK with authors such as Helen Fielding (Bridget Jones Diaries) and Sophie Kinsella (Shopaholic Series) who became household names.

So what are the characteristics of a ‘Chick Lit’ novel? The stories are typically told in a lighthearted and humorous tone. They often feature a relatable but flawed protagonist who the readers can root for. Although romance is a common theme, the genre has expanded to include a wide range of topics including family, friendship and self discovery.

Despite its popularity, ‘Chick Lit’ has been the subject of criticism, particularly from feminists who argue that the genre reinforces traditional gender roles and perpetuates stereotypes about women. Some critics have also accused ‘Chick lit’ of being shallow and superficial, with a focus on materialism and consumer culture. However, defenders of the genre argue that ‘Chick Lit’ provides an important space for women’s voices and experiences to be heard and that it can offer valuable insights into the lives and struggles of women.

What do you think?

This weeks theme picks…

A Summer at Sea by Katie Ford

A Summer at Sea is a heartwarming and engaging novel that follows Emily, a midwife who is given the opportunity to work on a cruise ship for the summer. Emily is excited about the opportunity to travel and see the world, but she soon discovers that life on a cruise ship is not as glamorous as she had imagined.

The novel is well-written and Fforde’s attention to detail creates a vivid and realistic portrayal of life on a cruise ship. The characters are well-developed and relatable, particularly Emily who is a strong, independent, and compassionate protagonist.

Throughout the novel, Emily faces a variety of challenges both on the ship and in her personal life, including a difficult romance with a fellow crew member. Fforde skilfully weaves together these plot lines, creating a story that is both engaging and emotionally satisfying.

One of the strengths of A Summer at Sea is its ability to capture the sense of adventure and excitement that comes with traveling to new places. Fforde’s descriptions of the different ports of call and the various activities on the ship are detailed and engaging, making the reader feel like they are right there with Emily.

Overall, A Summer at Sea is a charming and enjoyable read that is perfect for anyone looking for a heartwarming story about love, travel, and personal growth. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance novels or stories about travel and adventure.

After the Rain by Lucy Dillon

After the Rain by Lucy Dillon is a heartwarming and touching novel that explores the themes of loss, family, and second chances. The story revolves around two main characters, Rosie and Kate, who are both struggling to come to terms with the losses they have experienced in their lives.

Rosie is a young woman who has just lost her mother and is trying to navigate the grief and the changes that come with it. Kate is an older woman who has recently lost her husband and is struggling to find her place in the world without him. When Rosie inherits her mother’s house in the countryside, she decides to move there and start a new life. She soon meets Kate, who is her neighbor, and the two strike up an unlikely friendship.

As the story progresses, we see how Rosie and Kate both help each other to heal and move forward from their losses. Through their friendship, they learn to find hope and joy in life again. Along the way, they also encounter other characters who are dealing with their own struggles and challenges, adding depth and richness to the story.

One of the strengths of After the Rain is its well-drawn characters. Each character is unique and fully realized, with their own quirks, flaws, and strengths. The author does an excellent job of making the reader care about them and empathize with their struggles.

Another strength of the book is its beautiful writing. Lucy Dillon’s prose is evocative and lyrical, painting vivid pictures of the countryside and the characters’ inner lives. She also uses metaphors and imagery to great effect, adding depth and meaning to the story.

Overall, After the Rain is a poignant and uplifting novel that will leave readers feeling hopeful and inspired. It is a book about the power of friendship, the resilience of the human spirit, and the healing power of love. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a heartwarming and engaging read.

Eight Perfect Hours by Lia Louis

Eight Perfect Hours is a heartwarming and engaging novel that follows the lives of two strangers, Stella and Jonah, who meet on a train journey from London to Edinburgh. Stella is on her way to visit her terminally ill father, while Jonah is on his way to a job interview.

The novel is well-written, and Louis’ attention to detail creates a vivid and realistic portrayal of the characters’ experiences during the eight hours they spend together on the train. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and Louis’ exploration of their emotions and thoughts is both insightful and moving.

One of the strengths of Eight Perfect Hours is its ability to capture the power of human connection and the ways in which chance encounters can have a profound impact on our lives. The novel is also a poignant exploration of grief and loss and the ways in which we cope with these emotions.

The setting of the novel, the train journey from London to Edinburgh, is beautifully described, and Louis’ descriptions of the passing scenery and the different people on the train are particularly evocative.

Overall, Eight Perfect Hours is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that is perfect for anyone who enjoys stories about the power of human connection and the complexities of the human heart. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary fiction or stories that explore the intricacies of relationships and the ways in which we cope with loss and grief.

Honey Moon by Amy Jenkins

Honey Moon is an engaging and entertaining novel that follows the lives of two sisters, Bea and Livia, who are both struggling with personal and professional challenges. Bea is a successful businesswoman who has just gotten engaged to her long-time boyfriend, while Livia is a struggling actress who is desperate for a break in her career.

The novel is well-written, and Jenkins’ attention to detail creates a vivid and realistic portrayal of the characters’ lives and the challenges they face. The characters are well-developed and relatable, particularly Bea and Livia, who are both strong, independent, and determined women.

One of the strengths of Honey Moon is its ability to capture the complexities of family relationships and the ways in which they can both support and challenge us. The novel is also a poignant exploration of the ups and downs of romantic relationships and the ways in which we navigate the challenges that come with them.

The setting of the novel, the idyllic Italian island of Elba, is beautifully described, and Jenkins’ descriptions of the natural beauty and the different sights and sounds of the island are particularly evocative.

Overall, Honey Moon is an entertaining and enjoyable read that is perfect for anyone looking for a light-hearted story about love, family, and personal growth. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary fiction or stories about the complexities of relationships and the human experience.

The Thirty List by Eva Woods

The Thirty List is a heartwarming and inspiring novel that follows the life of Rachel, a thirty-year-old woman who is struggling to come to terms with the disappointments and challenges in her life. After being fired from her job and going through a breakup, Rachel creates a list of thirty things she wants to do before she turns thirty-one.

The novel is well-written, and Woods’ attention to detail creates a vivid and realistic portrayal of the characters’ lives and the challenges they face. The characters are well-developed and relatable, particularly Rachel, who is a strong, independent, and determined woman.

One of the strengths of The Thirty List is its ability to capture the power of setting goals and taking action to achieve them. The novel is also a poignant exploration of friendship and the ways in which we rely on the support of others to overcome challenges in our lives.

The setting of the novel, London, is beautifully described, and Woods’ descriptions of the different neighborhoods and landmarks in the city are particularly evocative.

Overall, The Thirty List is an inspiring and uplifting novel that is perfect for anyone looking for a story about personal growth, self-discovery, and the power of friendship. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary fiction or stories that explore the complexities of the human experience.