Love Between the Covers is a 2015 documentary film that explores the fascinating world of romance novels and the women who write, read, and love them. Directed by Laurie Kahn-Leavitt, the film takes an in-depth look at the thriving romance industry, which generates over a billion dollars a year in book sales alone. The film follows several successful romance authors, including Len Barot (better known by her pen name, Radclyffe), Mary Bly (who writes under the name Eloisa James), and Beverly Jenkins. These women are not only accomplished writers but also passionate advocates for the genre, which has often been dismissed as frivolous or formulaic.
Through interviews with these writers and their devoted readers, Love Between the Covers shows how romance novels are not just escapist entertainment but can also serve as a source of empowerment and inspiration for women. The film explores themes of sisterhood, sexuality, and personal agency, highlighting how romance novels often feature strong and independent heroines who overcome obstacles and find love on their own terms.
Love Between the Covers also touches on the business side of the romance industry, examining the various subgenres of romance (such as historical, paranormal, and erotic) and the strategies that publishers and authors use to reach their target audiences. The film also delves into the evolving role of e-books and self-publishing in the genre, which has allowed many women to bypass traditional gatekeepers in the publishing world and find success on their own terms.
One of the most compelling aspects of Love Between the Covers is how it reveals the diversity of both the writers and readers of romance novels. The film showcases authors of different ages, races, and sexual orientations, as well as readers from all walks of life who find solace, inspiration, and joy in the pages of their favorite romance novels.
The film also features some famous fans of the genre, including feminist icon Gloria Steinem, who speaks passionately about the importance of allowing women to shape their own narratives and explore their desires. Steinem's appearance in the film adds weight to the argument that romance novels should not be dismissed as mere guilty pleasures but should be recognized as a vital and valuable form of literature.
Overall, Love Between the Covers is a captivating and insightful look at a genre that is often stigmatized or ignored. The film celebrates the creative and commercial success of romance novels while also acknowledging their cultural significance and the deep emotional connection that many readers feel to these stories. Whether you're a die-hard romance fan or a skeptic, Love Between the Covers is well worth watching. It offers a fresh perspective on a genre that is far more complex and rewarding than many people realize.
Love Between the Covers is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.
