I’ve always been a sucker for men in books.
(Admit it – you thought I was going to say “tights” there, didn’t you?)
I think because I have always been a voracious reader – and when I mean voracious, I mean don’t stand between me and the bookshelf because someone will lose an arm – I take fictional characters and make them real in my head when I read a book. I don’t just read a book – I have a film of it going in my mind. I’m pretty sure that’s how we all read, we imagine as we go, only I’ve never been brave enough to ask someone at the library “Psst – are you watching it in your head while you read? Or just reading?”
I’m the kind of person that, with a good book in hand, I can quite happily sit there and read all night, which becomes a symptom of my anti-social behavior as described by almost every man I’ve ever been with. I can quite easily devour an entire book in one sitting, because I not only love to read, I read fast and I have something of a photographic memory – ask me about a section of dialogue and I can see it in my head, in the relative space it was in the book, and I can find it for you within the pages within seconds. It sounds impressive, maybe, but really it just takes up valuable space in my addled brain and simply goes to re-emphasize what a complete and total geek I am.
I’ve been thinking a lot about men in fiction. It’s been on my head a great deal as I’m still working on my novel and getting it into shape for an agent. It’s nowhere near ready, but the good news is when I sit down to write I do so, I’m not getting bored like I have done in the past. The other night I sat down for 30 minutes and wrote 7 pages, which I feel pretty good about.
But the thing is, well…I’m kind of in love with my male lead character. I love the female, too, but the male is turning into My Kind of Guy. And in this, he’s not infallible. I like my men to be real, and my guy? He fucks up from time to time. I think that’s important, that a guy screw up. There is such a thing as screwing up too much, but while writing I see my character evolve of his own accord, and I feel somewhat…proud of him.
I’ve always been susceptible to fictional characters. Always. I remember as a teenager picking up and reading a few of my mother’s bodice rippers. I never really got them, I have to say that (in general) they seem to all employ the pseudo-rape scenes (becase apparently that’s what we women get turned on by, which is a separate post in itself) all done with women named Janessa and men named Ranulf or Thor. Pretty formulaic stuff (although I did once read a funny romance novel, which was a first and last for me), but I found I had to stop reading them as they gave me a skewed sense of what men really were. Men don’t act like that. And the truth is, I don’t think I’d want them to.
The romantic hero is an idea that is defined as the following:
a literary archetype referring to a character that rejects established norms and conventions, has been rejected by society, and has the self as the center of his or her own existence
Ah, the rebel. Who doesn’t love a good rebel? We want to clean him up, fix his broken heart, take away the pain in his eyes and make him shag us till we can’t walk. Then he pledges his heart to us, defends our honor on a semi-regular basis, and continues to walk the line of “will I fall into the dark side?”, which totally appeals to the nurturing side of most women.
My kind of guy really – tall, dark and fucked up.
But I think there’s more to a romantic hero than just that.
Literature holds up a lot of options for romantic heros:
* Romeo, for one. I struggle with this. Romeo was 16, pining for his lovely Rosaline, and then boom! once he falls in love with Juliet she’s all he can see, up until he makes a plethora of bad decisions and, oh, kills his beloved’s cousin, courtesy of being a hot-head. I see all these as potential character flaws, really. Might just be me.
* Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice is supposed to be the number one romantic hero. And he’s ok and all (mmmmm….Colin Firth) but let’s be honest – he’s a stuck up, class-conscious prick. A yummy rich one, but a prick nonetheless. His first proposal to Elizabeth is so dry and dire that I’m suprised she didn’t stab him, let alone reject him.
* Naturally minds stray to Rhett Butler. But I’ll be frank here – I thought he was an asshole. Scarlet too. I hated the book, hated the film and simply can’t consider them as being romantic since I can’t evoke a single emotion for either of them. Wearing the drapes, Scarlet? I care about that why? Oh and Rhett? Lose the porn-stache.
I think there are other romantic heroes, overlooked ones.
* Jamie from the Outlander series, for one. The books teeter a little perilously close to the romance section for me, but I found myself completely swept up in them. Jamie – a tall, redheaded Highlander (give me a minute here…ok I’m ready to continue now) fucks up. Constantly. And there are instances in the novels where you actually see him fail, and I like that – not because I like to see people fall down, but because the rest of us screw up, the people we read about should be just as real. I love the series, although in later books Gabaldon does what I call The Hobbit Detail – you have to know who is married to so-and-so and what clan they’re in, all before they bust into Hobbit Highland song – and I’m not sure there’s anyone left in the novels who hasn’t been assaulted now, but I keep going back for more. For Jamie, really. I go back for him.
* I’m now in lust with Edward Cullen, from the Twilight series. I’m a quarter of the way through the last book (which I am not going to ruin for anyone, but this fucker better change because right now I’m thinking this book should never have been written) and the first three books were absolutely spectacular. Billed as teen fiction, I struggle to see any teen mature enough to deal with some of this content. I actually think it’d be dangerous for teens to read it, but what do I know about how to be a real-life teen? Edward is almost a classical romantic hero in most aspects of the word. Driven, solitary, handsome, dark, the ultimate protector (overprotective, actually) and apparently someone that the author is in love with herself, I’d say he’s well up there on the romantic list. I worry that the film won’t live up to the reverence I have for the characters.
So Cedric Diggory – you’d better not fuck this up, buddy.
* There’s a character named Martin from The Music Room, a little known book I doubt anyone has read. I read it so many years ago, and yet I am still struck by the strength the character had in a life gone wrong. Everything was going badly, and yet he was so real, so riddled with faults while walking a solitary path, that I admit I fell a little in love with him.
* Griffin from Griffin and Sabine. The way he wrote, the way he drew, you just knew that he would be so tender, the kind of guy to hold your face while he kissed you, the kind of guy who’d wear Converse with a tux, the kind who – even when really, really angry with you – still couldn’t wait to get home to you. You never really got to know him well, but the promise of who he nearly was mesmerized me.
There are so many that appeal to me – Hamlet (yes really). Michael Curry (The Witching Hour). The Count of Monte Cristo (grudge much?) Atticus Finch (single dad, lovely name, does the right thing.)
I always have to be careful of idealizing the people in books that I read, of not comparing their situations to mine (especially when we have a lot of strife in this house and my mind is looking to take a break from the stress) because not only is it dangerous but the characters are not real. They’re great on paper, but in real life you know they’ll leave their dirty clothes beside the bed. They’ll certainly pick their nose. They might be a stellar kisser, but it’s possible they couldn’t find a clitoris if you the little pink hood stood up and waved. It’s a given that they won’t defend you against their mother. But…ah….collecting the fictional men (and women) that we love. Isn’t that part of the joy of reading?
-H.
PS-the second of the three companies I have interviewed with called yesterday. With an offer. In the conservatory. And the candlestick.
Yesssss….
Go on – just watch this for the NSPCC!
Make me feel loved! Go on! Sign the Guest Map!
My number one man in fiction is Francis Lymond of Crawford, Dorothy Dunnett’s hero of the Lymond Chronicles. Makes me wish to be able to turn back time. Just for a couple of days. Just to take a look at all the colours, the clothes, the landscape… and Sir Francis, of course :-)
Ah, fiction…
There’s a fantastic line in “Les Poupees Russes,” the sequel to the fantastic film, “L’Auberge Espagnol” and my number-one favorite script ever -
Wendy: “You are the perfect guy.”
Xavier: “You’re making a mistake… I’m really not! If there is someone on earth who is a wreck, it’s me.”
Wendy: “That’s what I just said: you’re a perfect guy.”
…
Wendy: “I know you have tons of problems, defects, imperfections… but who doesn’t? It’s just that I prefer your problems. I’m in love with your imperfections. “
I am like you with the reading thing. And I can only get one of three children to go into a bookstore or the library with me. I am in there forever and ever! I can not walk into either for less than one hour. And that is I am just going to run in real fast, promise.
I have to say, I think I am in love with Claire as much as I am Jamie LOL.
I am with you on the Rhett thing. Newer could stand that movie or book. And my oldest daughter was addicted to it at the age of about 5-6. We had to watch it over and over! And its freaking LONG.
Congrats on the offer. That’s awesome!
I am now in book two of the Twilight series and loving every second of it. :) Have you checked out Stephenie Meyer’s website? Her story is interesting and she has parts that were cut from the books. Very interesting.
As far as it being appropriate for teens — what I have read so far does seem to be appropriate. I taught high school until two weeks ago and I can tell you that the problems a lot of our high school students face are much more real than Bella’s. Many of the students in my school worry about where their next meal will come from and if they can work enough to pay the mortgage. I know this isn’t the “normal” teen — but I would also say that about 90% of teens are sexually active. It’s a different world from when we were teens just a few years ago.
You are racking up the offers – congrats! I used to be such a bookworm when I was younger but it has sadly gone by the wayside. The Outlander book looks good though – will see if they have it at the library. I always thought everyone saw the book happening in their mind’s eye but I remember asking a friend in school about it after she told me she hated reading. She said all she saw was the words. I remember feeling surprised and sad that some might never know the joy books can bring into your life.
I could never understand the whole grand romantic lovers thing. People did a spread once and all I saw was a bunch of relationships where everyone got hurt and hurt everyone else.
I have been in love with Archie Goodwin since I was 13 and youre right, it’s quite a letdown to realize (as eventually we must) that he probably would find some way to annoy me or be a jerk.
yey to the offer but big boo to converse with a dinner jacket – yukk – far too trying too hard for me
I love the Outlander series too, but yeah, the author seems to think every person in that time period, including the men, were raped. And I’m sure it did happen to many people, but still. Everyone? Really?
I read way too many romance novels as a pre-teen (and watched too many movies) and expected sex to actually be like that. I’m waiting for the romance novel that showcases the awkwardness of sex – the “Oh, let me get the condom…shit, where is it? Do you see it? Turn on the light. Here it is. Okay, here we…fuuuuck, I lost it.”
Team Edward!
Ooooh, not only do you get out of employment hell but you have CHOICES! Well done, H!
So when you publish this novel, will it be as Helen or under your legal name? Inquiring minds want to know what our Amazon search terms will need to be. ;^)
Jamie is my favorite book boyfriend. For sure. I discovered those in college and now…I’m hooked. I’ve carted those ratty paperbacks from apartment to apartment for years.
I’m writing your email right now.
As for my romantic hero: Henry DeTamble. Hands down. (And if you haven’t read The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Nifenegger, I must insist that it be your next book.)
@ Pants- read it and adored it.
Oh thank God, I thought I was the only woman alive who hated GWTW. Although, I may be the only Southern woman who hates it – I didn’t really like anyone in it but Mammy. She should’ve strangled Scarlett with that corset and done us all a favor.
I’ve never gotten into romance novels, but Jamie…..mmmmmmmm. But only the first couple of books – lost interest once they crossed the pond.
I see the movies in my head and even hear the soundtrack, if I like it enough. But you’re right, life damn sure doesn’t imitate art in my experience, but it certainly is a nice escape!
I’ll look into the other books you mentioned – always looking for new suggestions.
Congrats on the offer(s) – onward and upward!!
I read like you – I definitely see it as a movie in my head. I don’t actually allow myself to read very often, because I am not capable of putting a good book down, and all else ends up getting neglected (including sleep, which I desperately need these days). These days reading is a vacation or travel thing for me.
and congrats on the second offer! A boost to your ego! And you get to choose which job you want – rather than have to just take the offer. I’m so excited for you!
I am a sucker for the Count of Monte Cristo, myself. Revenge so meticulously plotted is hot.
Ha! I suffered through GWTW (novel form) because I couldn’t get back to the library that week, but it sucked. I couldn’t even sit through the movie – I gave up at intermission. Didn’t like any of the characters!
Here is some nerd coming out, but the “first novel ever written” is an old Japanese book called Genji Monogatari – the hero is supposed to be this ultimate lover / romantic lead, yet all the women he woos end up miserable. It bugged me in my lit classes – as if the mere fact that he makes lots of love makes him a great lover.
You’ve got me curious about the Outlander books now!
Congrats on the job offer! Bet it feels fabulous.
Bizarro! I’m reading Outlander right now! A friend of mine lent it to me.
And Colin Firth may have been a class-conscious prick, but mmmmm, he makes me melt like buttah!
My 13 year old was the one who turned me on to the Twilight series. I thought it was a little too slow in points, but when it moved, man, did it MOVE. And the end of the final book was actually pretty good. The ending was NOT what I was expecting…and I won’t say any more.
In any case, after reading the books, I thought they were OK for my 13 year old. My 10 year old is reading them now…
Yeah, you should just put Breaking Dawn down now. Cause it never gets better. Thank goodness for half.com. I at least got some of my money back for wasting it on that.
I can only stomach romance novels if there’s some other twist to it. Like “The Time Traveller’s Wife” as Ms. Pants already mentioned. Wow. I had a bad crush on Phineas from “A Separate Peace” when I was a teenager.
Grats on the job offer. I knew you still had it in you!
Captain Wentworth from Persuasion. “A man does not recover from such a devotion of the heart to such a woman! He ought not — he does not.”
Lucky Anne Elliott to be such a woman!
I had to comment – you mentioned the Ourlander series and I have to agree, I love the character Jaime. He is the one who has been keeping me awake at night, keeping me company in the bathtub, and keeping me from going and interacting with people! I am waiting to hear from the library any day now — someone checked out the next book in the series (the Fiery Cross)and I am getting impatient. Once I get into a book, I damn near stop everything till I finish it — good thing I read quickly as well!
And I also “watch” the books in my head.
Congratulations on the offer! I hope it’s a great one.
Congrats on the offer!!
Yea! Someone as book-obsessed and “talented” as I am. It drives my husband NUTS that I can read so fast and recall what’s going on and where. I just assumed I was a freak of nature (and he’d agree). Now I know I’m not alone! LOL! The bad side is that books don’t last long enough then I’m sad that they are over.
As for Outlander… I LOVE Jamie and the whole series. I re-read at least one of the books each year. I probably love them as much for being very LONG as I do for the story…they last for longer than a day that way. hehe!
And Twilight is majorly addictive. However I was very PO’d halfway through the last book and couldn’t enjoy the rest. Personally I am not in the “Team Edward” camp. I liked Jacob a lot more than Edward. My friends and I are going to see the movie together; however, Cedric Diggory is not what I’d call ‘beautiful’ and I can’t see him playing Edward. I fear they will royally f-up the movie compared to the book. It never fails. :(
Wow so am I the only one that actually liked book 4 of the Twilight series? Especially the last half. I say “half” but I really don’t remember how far through the book I’m thinking. And I’m totally camp Edward.
And also? Loved Gone with the Wind. Ever since I saw the movie for the first time probably back in middle school, way before I really understood it.
I was the teenager who didn’t fall for the teen heart-throb. No, I was in love with Laurie from “Little Women”. I know exactly what you mean with this post.
Catching up… good job on the job front!