Why Kathleen Woodiwiss first popular and controversial novel 'Flame and the Flower, The' is still talked about

Bodice historical romances was a sub-genre of novels which aided the sales in romance literature back in the 70's. Explicitly publishing physical passion, never before attempted and Miss Woodiwiss was the first author bold to do so. There was literally over two and one in a half million copies in print. The title of the book actually is inspired by a poem which is included in it's first pages. However, the story isn't quite romantic and is an emotional roller-coaster, as known in modern-day vernacular.

Kathleen went on to write other Bodice Historical Romances until her passing in the late 2000's. But this debut was what put her on the map in the book World. When somebody reads the blurb of the book. It sounds like it could be an incredible story. With traveling from one country to another. Escaping a horrific situation before it gets ugly. Some Cinderella inspiration and unsuspecting dashing man sounds romantic enough. 


Yet the main characters of this novel are a couple that is the personification of toxic. Brandon Clayton Birmingham is bitter and boorish, staying single is preferable for him. Heather Brianna Simmons is conceited and somewhat disturbed, someone like this is ostracized and would have had a tragic end. How the two of them meet is from a misunderstanding which leads to something disturbing happening. As a result, a marriage must happen, much to the shock and irate of both characters. 

Their personalities are far from enjoyable. Brandon arrogantly believes every woman he fancies would be happier as a mistress. Heather assumes she's superior to others and somewhat irrational. Jealous women and sordid men don't aid in this shocking alliance between the British and American couple. Even if none of these antagonistic characters were present, the couple's still toxic. In modern day, a couple like this is better off divorced and having a restraining order filed against each other. 

Learning about History of the remaining months of the 18th going into the 19th century is appealing. From ships sailing to couture, who wouldn't want to learn about how businesses operated before the rise of late 19 century technology. It is the historical elements which make reading this controversial book a bit enjoyable. Perhaps had the book been written similar to a fable but with the elements of a noir novel, its appeal would have been better received. 


'General Hospital's Luke and Laura was worth watching back in the 80s, and we got to see reconciliation and forgiveness with their story. Unlike with Brandon and Heather from this debut historical romance. Which is insensitive and brutal; having minor percentage of romance in between plus arriving late. As it was with these type of romance literature. Such work of fiction can never be turned into a mini-series nor a film, or books of that time and this sub-genre. 


Some would argue a book like this is better as a cautionary tale. Others will read this more for escapism. Then there's those who read it just to see what it's all about and then come to their own conclusions from their own perspective. Not every book is going to be a flop or a success depending on the opinions given. It is good to read but sometimes, it's best to know your limits and tolerance.


https://www.caritagardiner.com/269-why-the-flame-and-the-flower/

https://www.romance.io/books/5576d6f19eef3b3f1d52b5c1/the-flame-and-the-flower-kathleen-e-woodiwiss

https://readingtheend.com/2013/01/30/fuck-you-the-flame-and-the-flower/

https://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/guest-review-the-flame-and-the-flower-by-kathleen-woodiwiss/

https://www.reddit.com/r/RomanceBooks/comments/muff3i/has_anyone_read_woodiwiss_the_flame_and_the/

http://www.thcreviews.com/cgi-bin/vts/book_review.html?book_review_id=495

https://www.amazon.ca/Flame-Flower-Kathleen-Woodiwiss/dp/0380005255

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/896623.The_Flame_and_the_Flower

https://commonreader.wustl.edu/the-flame-and-the-flowertoday/

http://top10romancebooks.com/reviews/review-flame-flower/

https://mrsgiggles.com/the-flame-and-the-flower-by-kathleen-e-woodiwiss/

https://abelleinabookshop.com/recommendation-the-flame-and-the-flower

https://charmstrongbooks.com/2015/08/08/3099/


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