Romance never dies . . . .

Why read romance books? What kind of romance books do you read? And what exactly do you like about them? From Jane Austen’s ‘Pride & Prejudice’ to Tahereh Mafi’s ‘Shatter Me’, romance books have manifestly shaped the perspectives and expectations of modern audiences when it comes to intimate relationships. Reading itself is not an act, but a feeling. And what reading romance has taught is that falling in love is not just a feeling, but an act of becoming a version of ourselves we did not know existed. 

In classic romance books, such as ‘Pride & Prejudice’, romance is portrayed as a delicate balance between societal expectations and individual desires. The love story between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy is not instant or overly dramatic; instead, it is the classic representation of a slow-burning romance. In ‘Pride & Prejudice’, Jane Austen depicts romance not as an effortless achievement but as an experience earned through character development. Darcy had to confront his pride, class prejudice, and aloofness, while Elizabeth had to acknowledge her own prejudices and quick judgments. Their relationship emphasises the idea that true love is found not in who we are at the beginning of the story, but who we become by the end. Today, readers still long for relationships where both parties “bring out the best” in one another– a trope reinforced by countless romance novels inspired by Austen’s structure – and the fantasy of being “seen for who we truly are”, while also being inspired to grow, stems directly from Jane Austen’s legacy. 

In a literary world often inundated with grand gestures and instant gratification, ‘Pride & Prejudice’ presents a masterclass in the power of emotional restraint. Rather than relying on declarations of love or physical closeness, Jane Austen constructs a romantic arc between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy that unfolds with quiet intensity and subtle gestures. Their relationship simmers beneath social formalities and unspoken emotions, drawing readers into a love story that thrives not on what is seen, but on what is felt, like tension. In contrast, today’s society often prioritises quantity over quality in love. We now frequently equate love with visibility– public displays, elaborate proposals, and viral declarations– as if love must be loud to be real. But Austen reminds us that intimacy can exist in silence, in glances, and in words left unsaid. It is not the volume of love that proves its worth, but its truth. Mr Darcy’s love is not ostentatious, but it carries a depth which surpasses fleeting passion. His actions – helping Elizabeth’s family in secret, confronting his pride, and willfully changing to become someone worthy of her– reveal a love grounded in integrity and self-growth. The quote, “You have bewitched me, body, mind and soul”, is not spoken to impress, but to confess. In a world where affection is often broadcast for validation, Mr Darcy sets the bar for a quieter, more profound kind of romance– one where loyalty is shown through consistent character rather than grand gestures and promises. He represents the hope that love, at its best, is not about possession or perfection, but about choosing someone, over and over again, with humility and grace. True love, as Austen presents it, does not demand to be seen by the world; it only asks to be heard by the one it’s meant for. It is not validation that gives love its worth, but the willingness to offer honesty, regardless of the outcome. For modern audiences, Mr Darcy’s devotion reminds us that genuine love whispers where others shout – and those whispers, when true, can echo the absolute loudest. 

In almost every romantic narrative– past and present– there exists an unspoken expectation for women to be desirable yet dignified, confident yet compliant, strong yet soft. These contradictory standards have long shaped how female characters are portrayed and what real-life readers come to expect in their relationships. ‘Pride & Prejudice’ offers one of the earliest and most enduring counter-narratives through Elizabeth Bennet, who redefined what it meant to be worthy of love. Unlike the damsels who wait to be chosen, Elizabeth demands emotional reciprocity. An example would be when she rejects Mr.Darcy’s first proposal– not out of pride alone, but because it lacked genuine respect. Her insistence on being valued for her intellect and principles, rather than just her appearance or status, set a lasting precedent: that love should elevate a woman, not require her to shrink. Elizabeth’s boldness, though subtle, challenged the patriarchal norms of her time and created a new model of femininity– one that did not rely on beauty or passivity but on integrity and wit. 

Mr. Darcy’s character arc– marked by his eventual willingness to listen, change, and love Elizabeth for who she truly is – helped crystallise the modern notion of “princess treatment”. We often mistake “princess treatment” as indulgence now, but at its core, it’s about loving someone so intentionally that you want to give– time, effort, comfort, respect– not out of obligation, but devotion. In ‘Pride & Prejudice’, “princess treatment” is presented not as pampering, but as recognition: the idea that a woman should be pursued with sincerity and cherished for her mind and moral strength. 

However, this kind of thoughtful, intentional love should not be reserved for women alone. While men of Darcy’s era were rarely expected– or even allowed– to seek emotional tenderness, the 21st century invites a more balanced ideal. Relationships today should thrive on mutual care, where both partners are seen, supported and valued. This ideal– being loved not for submission but for strength– finds a powerful reincarnation in Juliette Ferrars from Tahereh Mafi’s dystopian romance novel series ‘Shatter Me’. Similar to ‘Pride & Prejudice’, both romances are slow-burning. In ‘Shatter Me’, Aaron Warner is introduced as the “misunderstood villain”– much like how Mr. Darcy is initially perceived as arrogant and unfeeling. Yet both stories prove that love, when rooted in growth and understanding, can transcend first impressions. Warner’s unwavering devotion– his willingness to give Juliette everything, to follow her lead, and to love her without conditions– mirrors a modern “princess treatment”, but one grounded in reverence, vulnerability, and emotional equality. Yet what makes Juliette and Warner’s relationship especially powerful is that this devotion is not one-sided. As Juliette grows into her power, she begins to shelter Warner in return– not just from physical harm, but from emotional isolation. She learns his deepest insecurities, defends his intentions when others doubt him, and insists on seeing the good in him even when he cannot see it himself. In that moment, the dynamic shifts: Juliette no longer just receives love, but fiercely defends it. Their relationship becomes a two-way shelter where both partners fight for each other– not out of obligation, but out of choice. This mutual protection reinforces a key evolution in modern romance: that love is no longer defined by roles or expectations, but by reciprocity. Both partners choose each other not just through affection, but through the willingness to protect, uplift, and stand beside one another equally. 

In conclusion, together, ‘Pride & Prejudice’ and ‘Shatter Me’ reveal just how powerfully literature can shape the emotional landscape of its readers. Though separated by centuries and genres, both stories echo the same timeless truth: that love built on mutual recognition, growth, and emotional sincerity is not only aspirational but deeply resonant. Elizabeth Bennet taught generations that love should honour independence and dignity. Juliette Ferrars reminded us that when love feels true, it must be protected– that devotion is not just about feeling, but about defending and fighting for what matters most. These characters and the relationships they inhabit have helped redefine what audiences come to crave in romance: not always dramatic or flashy, not just flowers every day, and not just words that come without actions, not just perfect partners, because what’s real has imperfections– but deep emotional safety, shared vulnerability, and the constant choice of staying for one another. In doing so, books like these do not just entertain– they imprint values. They reshape how readers envision intimacy, loyalty, and a love that feels right waiting for. 

Written by Khardeeja Sapora