To Have and To Hold

I came to this book utterly clueless about the controversy behind it. I saw a blogger recommending this book highly, saying that it was more than just a romance, complex, and intriguing. It sounded like something that I'd appreciate. I do love my romance novels, but after a dozen, they begin blurring with each other in their similarities.

It began so well- Gaffney is an amazing writer, and I was so amazed that I found a new writer at last!

Then THAT SCENE happened. I was in utter disbelief. Are you kidding me? I was not ready for the hero to rape the heroine after she wakes up from a horrible nightmare of being raped by her ex-husband!. I am surprised that so many people would call this book a classic, and one of the best in the genre. Look, I totally get that the bodice rippers of the 70s had a lot of rape in them, but this was written in 2003 and there's just no excuse. Those who support and talk highly about the book say that the author was painting the picture of a less-than-perfect rake, that as a rake he was what he was. But then, why wouldn't the author paint a real picture of a rape victim? Would a rape victim marry her rapist with love in her eyes?

Perhaps I'm too modern for this book. Perhaps I'm too enlightened, having watching two documentaries of women fighting hard to punish those who raped them, and having society disappointing them again and again because society didn't believe them. Some even thought they deserved it.

After watching these documentaries, there's no way in good conscience can I call this book amazing, enlightening, complex or whatever claptrap description its supporters have foisted on it. This book is perpetuating a dangerous idea in women's heads: That there can be romance after a man rapes you.