An Historical Novelist for the Romance Reader

If the term "fan girl" had been invented back in the 1960s, I would have been the prime candidate to be "honored" with that title due to my undying admiration for the works of Anya Seton. It was one of the major disappointments of my reading life when I found out that 'Green Darkness' was going to be Ms Seton's last work. The author retired, citing reasons of health, and lived on for another 25 years. Her books went out of print several years ago, and are just now being reissued by Chicago Review Press in these lovely trade paperback editions.

'Green Darkness' is Ms Seton's final work, and for many it is her crowning achievement. In the introduction to this edition, Barbara Samuel writes that she can usually tell after a few minutes of conversation whether 'Green Darkness' or 'Katherine' is the favorite book of a Seton fan, as it is usually one or the other. With me, ever the rebel, it is neither: I still, after all these years, cannot make up my mind between 'The Winthrop Woman' and 'Devil Water.' The former will be issued in September of this year, and Chicago Review Press just acquired the rights to the latter. A hint: if you are a fan of Diana Gabaldon, you will probably vote for 'Devil Water.'

What makes Ms Seton's works endure at a time when romantica, or erotica, is taking center stage in the romance novel world? Sex is merely hinted at in her works -- she almost always stops at the bedroom door, and, even when she doesn't, there is nothing that could make a teenager blush (do they still blush?). Historical romances are being dumbed down by editors who want fewer historical details that increase the length of the book and Ms Seton's books are well researched and full of details. I think part of her appeal is that she obviously relishes the history about which she writes and communicates that to the reader -- I know many people who date their love of history to their first readings of Ms Seton.

But, ultimately, I believe it is her gift as a story teller that makes her timeless --she is able to create characters that stay with the reader long after the book is closed. Even her weaker books are a breath of fresh air, free of cliche writing, full of emotion, and true about life. Anyone who has ever loved not wisely but too well will identify with Celia and her obsession with Brother Stephen in 'Green Darkness,' or with 'Avalon's' Merewyn who loves Prince Rumon but ends with a far-different life than she could ever have imagined when dreaming of her future.

I love the covers of the new editions, although I have a couple of small gripes about the cover of 'Green Darkness,' and those are that the portrait is not from the Tudor period, nor does it look like Celia in either of her incarnations. The best cover in my opinion was for 'Katherine,' and I realized I have not downloaded it as I have the other Seton books. I will do so later, as to me it fully captures the woman so vividly portrayed by Ms Seton.