The Colonial Wars in Contemporary Portuguese Fiction Book

Women and Romance: A Reader
by Susan Ostrov Weisser (Editor)

Are Women More Prone to Romance?

You would think, from the 'A Reader' part of the book's title, that this is just another esoteric textbook edited by a professor who is a foremost authority in her particular niche. But the Lichtenstein 'cartoon' cover of the book is an immediate clue that the contents within these covers also has a much more popular appeal. Although there occasionally may be some jargon excerpted from literary specialty journals, there is very much here that the average intelligent reader will appreciate and enjoy.
The book deals historically, psychologically, sociologically and philosophically with the time honored controversial concept that romance is associated primarily with the female gender. In the book, this quote from Byron beautifully defines the theme:

'Man's love is of man's life a thing apart,
'Tis woman's whole existence.'

The editor, Susan Ostrov Weisser, does a superb job in organizing all the facets of this relationship, beginning with a section on its historical evolution. The book is actually a compilation of excerpts from reknowned and obscure literary and non-literary works, including novels, literary magazines and journals, Harlequin and other 'romance' novels,
personal letters, 'love' magazines, 'love' comics, Hollywood movies and even popular song lyrics. Through these vehicles, the topic of Romance is thoroughly explored with a wide-ranging variety of compelling aspects including (but far from being limited to) Feminism, Extra-marital affairs and African-American Relationships. There are so many jewels in this showcase of articles, it is impossible to choose just a few favorites.
I especially appreciated Prof. Ostrov-Weisser's trenchant, incisive paragraphs preceding each entry, illuminating and clarifying its significance and place in the greater scheme, and sometimes even gratuitously adding some 'gossipy' information. Also, the way this publication is organized and structured conveniently enables the reader to skip around from one place or subject to another without having to read straightforwardly from cover to-cover, while still deriving great satisfaction from a fascinating subject. In the
'Anthology' category of publications, this collection enthusiastically deserves five stars.